Smith & Wesson Bicycle Revolver vintage factory loaded ammunition

[mrcvs]

Mention of this was made in a recent post, but I cannot find the original thread.

I had always assumed these Bicycle Guns were just loaded with standard .32 S & W ammunition, especially during an age where dogs were much less revered as companions. When bicycling, this round could certainly kill, having even been used in three notable assassinations, including that of William McKinley in 1901.

.32 S&W - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

When on a bicycle, a .32 S & W round is likely more for effect, the loud sound might just scare a dog, and if contact was made with a lead bullet, the blow would be a glancing one.

However, in this thread I couldn’t find, it was mentioned that rounds were loaded for bicycle guns, these not being a lead bullet.

Has anyone seen, or can they post, a photograph of factory loaded ammunition from this era specifically for a Bicycle revolver?

 

[glowe]

All 32 S&W ammo that I have seen or own are the same loading. 88 grain lead RN. All anemic and I would certainly not use as a self-defense loading. Factory loading for the 32 S&W had a muzzle energy of less than 100 ft-lbs. There is one loading I found that is labeled 32 Short and it fits in the chamber of my 32 S&W revolvers, but is slightly longer than the other. 32 Short ME is not much higher than 32 S&W. If course, 32 ACP was on the market by 1900 and the Barnes book states that is was about the minimum size that could be seriously considered for self-defense. At 129 ft-lbs energy, but it has been stated by some that the caliber was too high pressure for the little 32 S&W revolvers. I know of no loading that was made with something other than lead bullets.

 

[mmaher94087]

"...it was mentioned that rounds were loaded for bicycle guns...". Memory fade here but I recall the mention of Cayenne Pepper loads and Cork loads also. I seriously doubt that these were store bought.

 

[BMur]

Straight out of a 1901 Smith and Wesson catalog.



Often times streetwise enthusiasts would use modified loadings that they thought would be more effective but finding documents supporting those loads would be a chore. Since it was more word of mouth then factory loadings. Bird shot was factory available then and would definitely work. I have a few distributor catalogs that list them. Might even mention pest control. I’ll have to look.

Murph

 

[BMur]

Here’s a few listings.

I’ve seen a few listings that include more sensational distributor descriptions like;“For snakes, rats, and dogs”!

Murph

 

[mrcvs]

So, somewhere out there there’s probably a factory loaded box of .32 S & W with shot. I’d like to find one.

I’m a veterinarian so I probably shouldn’t have interest in someone bicycling away and popping off Fluffy for making chase with an 88 gr lead RN, shot, or otherwise. If the initial impact didn’t kill, more than likely infection might have in those pre antibiotic days.

 

[BMur]

Hard to find Id say.

 

[Swood]

What's the story behind the "Bicycle Revolver"? Is there an actual correlation between it and bicycles?

 

[glowe]

What's the story behind the "Bicycle Revolver"? Is there an actual correlation between it and bicycles?

Yes Sir!

 

[Swood]

That is really cool! I have a friend that has several turn of the century bicycles and would probably be interested in having one of these, or even a copy of the original ads for his collection. Thanks!

 

[BMur]

Just a little historical research you will be amazed at how serious the problem was for cyclists. Wild or feral dogs were everywhere outside city limits.
I’ve read several newspaper articles where people were seriously injured.
Some dogs were actually trained to attack cyclists!

Murph