Smith and Wesson Model of 91 Single Shot Target with 8 in 22cal barrel C&R
SOLD FOR: $811
WOA#: WY240318RU083
Make: Smith and Wesson
Model: Model of 91 Third Model
Serial Number: 3657
Year of Manufacture: 1893-1905
Caliber: .22LR cal 8 inch barrel
Action Type: Single shot, single action
Markings: the top of the ribbed barrel is marked “Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA” “MODEL OF 91” PAT APR 20. 73 FEB 20. & DEC 18.77. MAY 11. 80”. On the right side of the frame we find our iconic serifed “SW” stamp. On either side of our hard rubber grips we see the same encircled “SW” mark molded into the grips above the “PATD 30.92” . The front of the grip frame is marked “3657” the rear of the ejector is marked with the matching serial and also the inside of the locking latch. The left side of the barrel is marked “22 Long rifle CTG”
Barrel Length: The 22LR cal. barrel measures 8 inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight of the 22LR cal. 8 inch Barrel is a fine flared Paine Target blade. It is pinned and recessed to the tip of the rib, it is original to the pistol. The rear sight is also original to the pistol. Two flats of the notch rear sight offer a wide field of view for such a fine front blade.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are original to the piece. There is almost zero wear! The grips rate in about 98% overall condition. There are tiny scratches visible and grip.These target stocks are in very good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: No Magazine this is a single shot
Type of Finish: Blue Steel, Case hardened hammer, trigger and trigger guard. Hard Rubber Diamond Target Stocks
Finish Originality: original
Bore Condition: The bores are still showing original machine marking and the rifling is strong. There is some light visible erosion in the bore. There is some fouling in the rifling. 9/10
Overall Condition: This handgun retains 92%. of the original finish. There is a good bit of thinning of finish near the muzzle. Lots of tiny scratches throughout the finish. The screw heads are sharp and smooth. The grip screws show some marks but are in fine condition. The markings are strong. Overall, this handgun rates in about very good condition for being over 100 years old. In this writer’s opinion.
Mechanics: The action functions flawlessly. It ejects and locks up great. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: none
Our Assessment: Four digit serial number, First Model Single action Target pistol. The pistol is in about Fine condition with about 92% of its original finish remaining. It shows a few spots of finish thinning at the muzzle and thinning on the edges of the frame. A speckling of handling marks is visible on the barrel, otherwise, relatively light marks are present.The checkered black rubber grips extend about 7/8” below the grip frame and show handling marks and moderate wear in the checkering. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. This pistol’s accuracy leaves me wanting to go to the range. The styling makes me want to hang it on the wall and just stare at it. I would love to own this gun just for the bragging rights. It is accurate, sexy, historic and quite collectable. No Smith collection is complete without one. Take a closer look at this one it may be just what you need to scratch that itch. Fair warning if you start collecting it’s hard to stop.-Buy this gun. This firearm screams to me its historic past. The First Model single shot model of 91 (1891) is great on all aspects of the gun world. Please see our photos and look carefully. Good luck and enjoy the auction.-K. F.
