M Frame Ladysmith

[SgtNoClass]

I would like to see the M frame Ladysmith revolver come back. Big improvement I would want is being able to chamber & fire 22 Long Rifle.
From what I have read, the originals were costly to produce because of the smaller pieces-parts. I wonder if the MIM process would make this more or less viable.
Would also want (if possible) to keep the front cylinder release rod, as it was on 2nd and 3rd model. That, and the small size were what drew my attention to these.

 

[mmaher94087]

A modern repop chambered and built to digest the .22LR would be neat. The original Model M would chamber and fire the LR round, but the excess pressure would crack or blow out the forcing cone as they were designed for the .22 Long. I'd add a .32CF Long built on the Model #2 Army frame to the mix as long as we are wishing.

 

[Dave Lively]

That would be an interesting alternative to the NAA mini revolvers if chambered in 22 LR. I personally have zero practical use for a very small 22 revolver but that's never stopped me before, I have always kind of wanted one as a range gun.

But I do have to wonder if it would end up combining the poor handling of the very small NAA mini-revolvers with the very stiff DA trigger pull of the S&W 317. Small guns are hard to handle and being that small reduces the amount of leverage that can be applied when the DA trigger is being pulled back. Rimfire cartridges need to be hit pretty hard to assure reliable firing.

As much as I find the concept appealing the odds I would buy one are pretty low.

 

[murphydog]

With the revolver inexorably fading away in terms of production numbers, the chances that S & W would build the .22 Hand Ejector or a modernized version is very small.

But have a look at the (discontinued) Rossi Princess.

 

[steelslaver]

I would love one. I do have a original Lady Smith and they are neat
Dwarfed by K22s

 

[lihpster]

As long as we're dreaming about .22s, I'm gonna go the other way, and go bigger. I'd like to see a .22LR version of the 5" Wells Fargo edition of the Schofield Model of 2000. Of course, I wouldn't want to pay what they'd have to ask for it.


Edit: But please keep it a six shooter.

 

[DWalt]

Would probably be a very limited market for a reproduction Ladysmith .22. If you do a little Google-fu, you may find an article about the possibility that Adolph Hitler owned one.

 

[rct269]

Well, I agree---the original Ladysmiths are neat little guns.

Beyond that--------------------??!!!!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[SgtNoClass]

I did check out the Rossi, on Google. There is a YouTube video where the owner fires the gun and discusses it. Also had a link to get pictures of the owner manual.
I found one on GunBroker, allegedly unfired, for only $799.
Only bad thing, that I've read about, is that the Rossi uses a cheap metal alloy. But, it will fire 22 Long Rifle.