OT: Got my oldest sixgun lettered this week (with photos)

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 4:39 pm

Received my letter from Roy Jinks, S&W archives, a few days ago. According to the info in the letter, my old sixgun, officially a 2nd Model American, Commercial Russian version, but also known as a S&W First Model Russian, and also known as an Old, Old Russian, was shipped on November 29th, 1873 in an order of 140 units. Also, according to the info Mr. Jinks supplied, the total production of the First Model Russian was only 5,165. The condition of the bore and chambers of this old west black powder sixgun is pristine, yet the wear on the barrel and leading cylinder edges indicates that it has seen holster time. Because there is no corrosion at all in the bore or chambers, I think it likely that it spent its working life in a very arid climate .... probably southwestern USA (that is also were it surfaced). I was recently reading some research by firearms historian Charles Pate and learned that the S&W 1st and 2nd Model American (which included this one in 44 Russian as well as the 44 American) was the most popular sixgun in the US in the 1870's, outnumbering even the Colt 1873 SAA. It was used by both the Cavalry and civilians. The total number sold in the USA up to the end of 1876 was 23,300 in 44 American caliber; 4,000 in 44 rimfire caliber; and 5,165 in 44 Russian caliber, for a total of around 33,000. Included in these numbers are official US cavalry purchases. In addition, Pate's research shows that many members of the US cavalry purchased this model with their own money to augment or replace the military issue Colts. The top break design permits all six chambers to be emptied simultaneously. Unfired rounds will not eject, but can still be dumped. The live rounds can be inserted two at a time (the way I tend to do it), the gun snapped shut with a flick, and you're in business. Very fast if the Comanches are charging.

Post by **Hobie** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 4:50 pm

I get the feeling that gun has some unsung history...

claybob86 · Post by **claybob86** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 6:03 pm

That's beautiful, Kirk. The old ones have such fine craftsmanship put into them.

dr walker · Post by **dr walker** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 6:17 pm

That is a beautiful handgun. You are very fortunate.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 7:02 pm

Beautiful evolver and neat info.

don Tomás · Post by **don Tomás** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 7:53 pm

Very very cool...

Tom

jdad · Post by **jdad** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:06 pm

The history of old firearms.....if we only knew who, what, where, how, and when before we became the caretakers. That sort of stuff makes owning the old stuff so much more enjoyable.

lever-4-life · Post by **lever-4-life** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:07 pm

I just love those old smiths!!!

Post by **Old Savage** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:29 pm

Might be a good idea to return it to the south western US where it is used to the climate.

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J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:33 pm

I've always wanted to shoot one of those old Smith & Wessons, but never had had the opportunity. Handled a couple though. For me they'd take some getting used to.

Joe

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:37 pm

Awesome Kirk!!!

brucew44guns · Post by **brucew44guns** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:46 pm

Kirk, I wouldn't be surprised if a new Dirty Harry movie could come out, with your revolver being the Star of the movie. That is a cannon Inspector Callahan would be proud to carry. I'm glad for you.

Marlin .35 · Post by **Marlin .35** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:49 pm

Fantastic KIRKD!!!!! Wonderful history. Thank you for posting this!! Art

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:49 pm

Old Savage wrote:Might be a good idea to return it to the south western US where it is used to the climate.

Heh, heh. This old boy seems to be doing just fine up here in the Great White North.

It will be doing duty in the wilderness 'longside a certain 30-30 known as 'The Bear'.

J Miller I find that the long 8" barrel doesn't suit me well wearing it for right hand draw. By the time the barrel clears the holster, the handle's pretty much up my armpit and I've pulled half the ligaments in my shoulder. Wearing it for cross draw is much better. I can and have worn it all day that way. The forward tilt in crossdraw position seems to keep that 8" barrel from interfering with anything, even when sitting down. I'm no gunslinger .... I've only practiced a total of about 2 minutes total in my entire life, but in crossdraw, starting with my right hand down along my right side, at the end of those two minutes of practicing, that old 8" barrel cleared the holster, the hammer was pulled, and the front sight was on target very fast for an old geezer like me that's never practiced in his entire life. It seems that by the time the 8" barrel clears the holster in the crossdraw position, the gun is pretty much center of my body and merely needs to be rotated and elevated slightly to be at eye level. Like I said, I'm no gunslinger and would likely cause loud guffaws from the experienced fellows if they saw me. I also like that 8" barrel for shooting .... it seems to be steadier than another old S&W I have that only has a 6" barrel.

Post by **Old Savage** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:52 pm

The best to you Kirk.

CowboyTutt · Post by **CowboyTutt** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:39 pm

Kirk, as someone new to antique firearms, I have to agree that a REAL antique gun really exceeds a new firearm in character. There is, in fact, no comparison. Old guns just ooze character in a way that can never be duplicated by a repro. Each one is unique.

Good on you, Brother. I have to say, I've been looking at Schofields for a while now......I may even purchase one someday.

-Tutt

Post by **Old Savage** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:58 pm

Andy - you do know they didn't chamber the 454 ???

CowboyTutt · Post by **CowboyTutt** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:02 pm

I was thinking a "max load" 45 Schofield might do, OS! Some of the load data is pretty good!

-Tutt

jbm1968 · Post by **jbm1968** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:20 pm

Just goes to show you that for all practical purposes the men of yesteryear were as well armed as we are and free to boot! It is the man not the tool.

Post by **Old Savage** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:47 pm

$895 at the Gun Shop.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:57 pm

Very cool.

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:25 pm

Wonderful pistol and history KirkD. May I suggest you may have missed your calling as a firearms/period photographer? Keep those photos coming!

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 1:03 am

Kirk, that's really neat. If you ever get tired of having that piece lying around just give me a ring. I'll take realllly good care of it.

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 5:12 am

Marlin .35 wrote:Fantastic KIRKD!!!!! Wonderful history. Thank you for posting this!! Art

+1