What to Look for in a Top Break?

[David the Gnome]

I have a love and fascination with top break revolvers. I would like very much to find a single/double action S&W to use as a range gun. From what my local gunsmith has told me, because the old S&W top breaks are at best over 70 years old, there are little to no spare parts left available for them anymore. He suggested, if I want a range gun, to find one in as good of mechanical position as is possible to locate and don't worry about the finish. I know a lot of the things a person looks for in a newer production j/k/l/n-frame revolver but I have no idea what to check on the old S&W top breaks. Would anyone here care to educate me on what I should be looking for?

 

[opoefc]

A top break S&W revolver for range use would be limited to a .32 or .38 DA in my opinion. Preferably one with target sights and a 5 ot 6 in. barrel, for best accuracy. The Lemon squeezers are OK, but usually not as accurate as the DAs. Shoot black powder, or equivalent ammo. only. Cowboy shooting rounds are available and are loaded to low pressures, especially for these guns. You could try the .44DA, but unless you handload, the ammo. is a lot more expensive. Use the same tests you would on a modern revolver, does it lock up tight? Any cylinder end play? Good bore? Hold on full cock OK., etc. S&W made tons of these guns and the interior parts can be fragile, especially the .32s., however since so many were made they are not expensive, and junkers can be bought cheap for parts. They can be fun shooters and suprisingly accurate in the hands of a good shot. Ed.