From the Vault: Smith & Wesson No. 1 & No. 2 Revolvers

Описание: Brownells Gun Techs and walking repositories of firearm history knowledge, Steve Ostrem and Keith Ford, return to Rock Island Auction Co. to check out two "Holy Grail" items in world of revolvers: the Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 and Model No. 2. Introduced in 1857, the No.1 was the first mass-produced revolver that used self-contained, metallic cartridge ammunition. And what was that cartridge? The rimfire .22 Short! Like all early Smiths, the barrel tips to let you eject the empties but NOT in the way you might expect. (Steve demonstrates.) The Model No. 1 is truly a "vest pocket pistol," maybe the first EDC ("everyday carry") concealed carry revolver. It was really meant to be used as a last-ditch defense. The Rock Island example is in superb mechanical and cosmetic condition. The larger Model No. 2, chambered in .32 Rimfire (later .38 S&W centerfire), is basically a scaled up No. 1 that packs more punch. These revolvers put Smith & Wesson on the map and paved the way for their full-sized Model No. 3, Russian Model, and of course, the famous Schofield chambered in a shortened version of the .45 Long Colt. Steve's advice: if you come across a Model No. 1 or No. 2 for sale at a good price, GRAB IT!

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