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Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 First Issue .32 RF Revolver $1600$1600
2.0Kviews•5 days ago
Please text anytime 6476871484. Fully functional very smooth action no PAL needed.
Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 First Issue .32 RF Pocket Revolver. More robust and heavier build than second Issue.
The First Issue of this model is becoming increasingly hard to find. It is a slightly smaller version of the Second Model, with a square butt and its cylinder stop in the bottom of the frame. This one is in fine condition. It retains its original blue. The markings are sharp. The action is accurate and strong and the cylinder indexes and locks properly. The bore of the 3 1/2 inch barrel is very good, with strong rifling. The grips are excellent, with varnish intact and numbered to the gun.
History & Background
Smith and Wesson began in 1858 with their First Model, a small .22 caliber revolver, with a seven-shot capacity. It was S&W’s first cartridge gun, which used their proprietary .22 rim fire cartridge. They soon realized that, although a popular little gun, it was hopelessly underpowered and largely ineffective as a protective device. A few years later the company introduced the much larger Second Model, which would become known as the “Old Model Army”. It was chambered for the significantly more powerful .32 long rim fire cartridge and was used by many soldiers and officers as a back-up gun during the civil war. Wanting to capitalize on its popularity and effectiveness, the company decided to introduce a slightly smaller framed version of the No. 2, and called it the Model 1 ½. The “First Issue” came out in 1865 and looks almost identical to the No. 2. It has an octagonal barrel, square butt grips, unfluted cylinder, and bottom-mounted cylinder stop. In 1868 the “Second Issue”, a more “modern” looking gun was introduced. It had a round barrel, fluted cylinder, birds head grips and the cylinder stop mounted on top of the frame. It would remain in production until 1875. Of the model 1 ½ 26,300 were of the “First Issue” design while 100,800 were of the “Second Issue” variation.