Smith and Wesson model 270

[andy52]

I'm at a loss trying to figure out were to post this question.
Does anyone here own a model 270 line thrower? If so is it possible to get the heads for this device? I'm pretty sure it uses 12 ga blanks to propel the head which are easy enough to come by but I can't find the projectiles anyplace online.

 

[opoefc]

I have a flyer from the S&W Chemical Co., in Ohio ( probably 50+ yrs. old ) that shows the S&W "International" Rocket Propelled Line thrower. ( No Model #mentioned ) It contains : S&W launching gun. (Same gun as later called the Model 270 ) Cleaning Kit, 4 solid fuel propelllant line rockets with buoyant heads, 5 Ignition cartridges, 4 400 yard buoyant pololefin lines 7/32 in diam. with 500 lbs breaking strength, 1 instruction card and 1 carrying case 12 in deep, 27 in. long and 16 in. high. Weighs 56 lbs. The picture of the set's contents shows a small white box with S&W logo that contains the "ignition cartridges" but no individual cartridges, so while they may be 12 ga., the picture seems to show they could be 37 mm and they would need to be able to ignite the solid fuel in the rockets. A specialty collector cartridge dealer might be a source of one of these boxes. Whether they are the same cartridges provided with the later Model 270s, I don't know, but I would suspect they are. Ed.

 

[andy52]

Thanks, I have the opportunity to buy a model 270 NIB but there are no accessories and I was thinking of getting it and putting together a display.
I served aboard a supply ship when I was in the USN and saw shot lines used many time but there weren't like the 270. They were more a short barreled single shot rifle and a rod with a large rubber head insert in the barrel. I'm pretty sure the 270 used a 12 ga as its ignition, here are a few photos of the projectile and the cartridges.

 

[opoefc]

Yes, those are the ignition cartridges for the solid fuel rockets and I agree, they are 12 ga. (Not 12 ga. blanks, however ) . Ed.

 

[David.Hylton]

Call Larry's Gunshop - West in Huntsville, AL. They have one on display.

S&W Model 270 Int'l Line Thrower

 

[wiskerchew]

I have a 270 NIB too and have been looking for the dart. Managed to get 2 boxes of 12gs blanks for it in an auction recently.