WHAT IS IT?

[norm olson]

I have what I believe to be one of 20 pistols made by Walter F. Roper. Through various
sources I have pieced together the theory that Walter F. Roper worked for Smith & Wesson
during the first half of the last century. I think he was commissioned to create a
prototype .22 rimfire rolling block pistol for possible production by S&W.

Neither NRA or Remington know anything about this pistol. I am hoping that
someone on the S&W board may help solve the mystery.

The story I got from my father who purchased the pistol near Detroit around
1939-1940 was that 20 were made by "someone in Kentucky or Tennessee"
Someone else in the Detroit area had one identical to it with the same kind of
serial number: ROP

A member on another forum seems to remember an article published by
Gun Digest that featured Walter F. Roper. If anyone recalls the article or
has a copy, please contact me.

If anyone has any idea about this pistol, please contact me on this forum or
directly via email to: [email protected]



http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/normolson/?albumview=slideshow

 

[norm olson]

I have what I believe to be one of 20 pistols made by Walter F. Roper. Through various
sources I have pieced together the theory that Walter F. Roper worked for Smith & Wesson
during the first half of the last century. I think he was commissioned to create a
prototype .22 rimfire rolling block pistol for possible production by S&W.

Neither NRA or Remington know anything about this pistol. I am hoping that
someone on the S&W board may help solve the mystery.

The story I got from my father who purchased the pistol near Detroit around
1939-1940 was that 20 were made by "someone in Kentucky or Tennessee"
Someone else in the Detroit area had one identical to it with the same kind of
serial number: ROP

A member on another forum seems to remember an article published by
Gun Digest that featured Walter F. Roper. If anyone recalls the article or
has a copy, please contact me.

If anyone has any idea about this pistol, please contact me on this forum or
directly via email to: [email protected]



http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/normolson/?albumview=slideshow

 

[2152hq]

I do recall an article. I will check in the next day or so and see if I can locate it. I also think he worked for Harrington & Richardson on designing their USRA single shot target pistol.
The pistol in the pics does look like a gunsmith converted Remington #4 rifle to a handgun with the takedown lever removed and a permanent barrel securing pin/bolt installed, new bbl, etc.

 

[norm olson]

The pistol is indeed a Remington Model 4 rolling block that has been converted into a pistol. The frame (see photos) shows that grip studs have been brazed and it shows a weld joint on the inside just behind the trigger guard. The mystery has been solved. Thank you all for your input



http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/normolson/?alb...ew=slideshow[/quote]