Model 2, What to look for when buying

[Arizona Commander]

I am looking at my first "antique" revolver. It is I believe a model 2 Army. I wll start by saying it is being sold as a "wall hanger" and although rough it is to me very interesting.

It appears complete, full patina, no pitting and judging from the screw heads unmolested internally, the grips appear original and are probably its best feature and are whole with no visible cracks etc.

The latch that allows the barrel to tip up does not lock up, the springs are there just very weak, there is considerable side to side play in the barrel, the cylinder rotates freely at all times and does not turn when cocked. The hammer can be fully cocked and falls when the trigger is squeezed (under thumb of course) the bore is dark with visible rifling.

The lettering on the top rib appears crisp, not polished over I see no other lettering anywhere on the piece.

I see this more as a rescue and do not know if I will ever do anything with it, the seller is asking 200.00.

As this is my first purchase in this period is this in the ballpark, is there anything else I should lookout for, if I wanted are parts etc available that would let me return it to working order?

Any help/guidance/advice would be appreciated.

 

[EdwardM]

I have a Model 2 that is in what sounds like a condition similar to the one you are considering although the grips on mine are not as nice apparently as yours.

I paid a bit more than the price you quoted. I'm thinking of having some restoration work done but am uncertain if I will proceed.

My advice would be to buy it. Probably in worse case scenario you could part it out and break even or maybe make a few dollars but that would be my last option. I think it worth the price just to own a small piece of history and wonder where it's been and think, as is often mentioned here "if only that old gun could talk."

Ned

 

[H Richard]

That price would be a bargain. From what you describe it should be able to be rescued, but the primary reason is a piece of American History. It is not something you would ever probably be able to shoot, but the ownership of this would be a pleasure. If you don't want it please let me know as I would be interested. Thanks

 

[wedgeguns]

Model 2 army

You might want to check out my website..It will give you some idea . the price of $200. would be on the low side.If you would fill out the survey on my web site I would appreciate it.

Ron Curtis 20//1689

 

[pace40]

My advice on collecting this model...buy the best condition you can afford.

Now if you're not looking to collect, but just own a piece of history,
$200 is a good price but you're getting a no finish, no function gun. That said, its possible the inards are just gummed up and thats why it doesn't index. If thats the case and some of the pertinent internals are intact, its worth more than $200 in parts.

 

[Arizona Commander]

Well I went back this morning and got it, here it is as "picked." I was able to work out a trade with the man and came out a little better than the 200 he was asking.

Am I right that this is a Model 2? The serial number is 36084, this is also stamped inside the right grip. The assembly #'s under the grip, the back of the barrel and cylinder appear to be B1.

The top strap reads "SMITH.& WESSON.SPRINGFIELD.MASS,"
On the cylinder I can read what looks like "PATENTED APRIL 3 1855 JULY " an illegible space then "DEC 18 1860"

I am going to visit Ron Curtis's web sight but will not complete the survey until this is confirmed as a Model 2, then it's off to the bench to give it a good cleaning, as I have never been inside one of these before is there anything I need to be careful of, springs that will go flying etc?

 

[H Richard]

I would say it is a number two. The S/N falls right in the middle of the correct range, (1 - 77155). Possibly dating it to about 1866 or 1867. From the pictures I see, it is in pretty good condition for a Civil War era firearm, and worthy of being refurbished (If that is what the experts think is appropriate).

The marking on the cylinder should read"Patented April 3, 1855, July 5, 1859, & Dec 18, 1860".

A thorough cleaning may alleviate some of the problems you mentioned, and be sure to soak the chambers and barrel in something like Corrosion X to kill any active rust and protect the metal. Do not use any bronze or other metallic brush's. Nylon bristle brush's won't hurt anything. Remove the grips first, and while they are off, the right panel should have the S/N stamped on the inside to match the gun S/N. Be sure to use a correctly fitting hollow ground screwdriver on all screw's.

I think you got a wonderful deal. Last one I saw in person was all brown with rust, and priced at $500.

 

[SC_Slowhand]

Good price and a great deal.

 

[kennyb]

looks very nice...