S&W 4th Model Straight Line

[JLove008]

Hi everyone,

I picked up this Smith & Wesson 4th Model Straight Line Single Shot at a LGS in what I would consider shooter grade. Unfortunately, it did not come with the box or tools, but it sure is fun to shoot. I seriously doubt I’ll be able to locate an original one, but I’ll keep looking. The letter of authenticity never disappoints, far more information than I expected! Sorry for the poor lighting.

Take care,
Justin

 

[Exmilcop]

DAMN! That is one beautiful pistol, but would it qualify as "antique"? You lucky son of a gun!

 

[series guy]

What a beauty! Very nice find.

 

[moosedog]

I'd say its above shooter grade and I want one. Congratulations on that find.

 

[JLove008]

Thanks! I wasn’t quite sure where to post it. I figured “all single shots” would be ok.

M

DAMN! That is one beautiful pistol, but would it qualify as "antique"? You lucky son of a gun!

 

[ol777gunnerz]

info

Ditto, the header says "All single shots", that is a great 4th model, nicer than shooter grade.

 

[Three Tees]

Does anybody have any idea of the value of one of these in 98% condition with its metal can and all original accessories?

 

[rct269]

Does anybody have any idea of the value of one of these in 98% condition with its metal can and all original accessories?

My early variation (#128), high 90's, with a stained case, and all accessories sold for $2000 on GB Auction within the last 2-3 years.

My late variation (#1577), about as close to brand new as you can get with case and all accessories sold for right at $3000 on GB Auction within the same time frame---very possibly within the same auction.

And just to show you how times have changed, #128 was my third S&W target gun, purchased from a Chattanooga gun shop in 1959 for the princely sum of $135.

Ralph Tremaine

And if anybody needs a lesson on the value of proper training and communication, I came upon #1577 at a Las Vegas Winter show----mid 90's. It was on a 6 or 8 table layout of truly FINE S&Ws and Colts-----and it was the best Straight Line I'd ever seen----also the highest priced at $2600. I asked the nice lady for the best price. She said I'd have to ask her husband---that he was "out on the floor" and could I come back by. I could. I was leaving when she said "Oh wait, maybe it's in the book!" Then, "Yes----here it is right here---------$1250." I didn't rip my pants getting the money out, but I wanted that gun and I wanted to be gone-----post haste!! This book absolutely had to be a record of his purchase prices-----not his lowest selling price---and he was about to lose one of the finest guns on his tables without making a dime------and he was about to do that because he was "out on the floor"-----and left without telling the person left in charge how things worked. I reckon she got an ear full, and I hope she smacked him a good one right up side the head!!

 

[Three Tees]

Thanks, Ralph, for the reply! I'm absolutely blown away by the machining and fitting of this piece. These are definitely from a bygone era that we'll probably never see again. It seems like today polymer guns are all the rage and the years of education and experience it took for the highly skilled craftsmen of yesteryear to produce these in walnut and hand-fitted blued steel are forever gone.
Just a reflection on where we were and where we are today. Shame...

 

[rct269]

You'd be more blown away if you ever took one apart! Every gun that came to live here came all apart for a bath-----all apart!! My first SL slowed that process way down! The closest I could come to a proper schematic was the patent drawing in N&J----and I never did find any instructions---so it was slow and easy. I didn't make a move until I was sure of what the bits and pieces did----and how they'd go back together. It turned out everything made sense, but you had to sit and stare at it for a spell!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Three Tees]

Ralph:

I'm a pretty good gunsmith in my own right but I'd not have the cajones to disassemble one of these without at least having a schematic drawing by my side to help me muddle through it. I'm hell-on-wheels with revolvers and long guns and can rebuild most pistols in my sleep but this is a whole different animal so I'd have to study the drawings before trying to loosen the first screw or drive the first pin out...

I'm also with you on your idea of disassembling a new acquisition just to get the manufacturing crud removed. I ALWAYS do each one of mine, whether its a collectible firearm or a modern day clunker.