Smith and Wesson Third Model Perfected 10″ Olympic Barrel 22 LR C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,102.77

WOA#: WY240318RU086

Make:  Smith and Wesson

Model: Third Model Single Shot, 1st Type Olympic

Serial Number: 10617

Year of Manufacture: 1909- 1923

Caliber: .22 LR

Action Type:  Single action/ Double action Single shot Break top

Markings: On the top of the ribbed barrel we see “Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA” PATENTED. OCT.8.01.FEB.6.08.SEPT.14.09”;  The left side of the of the barrel is marked “22 Long Rifle CTG”. On the right side of the frame we find our iconic serifed “SW” “TRADEMARK” stamp. Then we can observe our serial number “10617” on the grip of the frame. The rear face of the ejector rod is marked “10617”. 

Barrel Length: Olympic barrel is 10 inches with a full length top rib.

Sights / Optics: The front sight of the 22 cal. 10 inch Barrel is a high thin blade. It is pinned  with a replacement pinned to the tip of the rib, it is not original to the pistol. The rear sight is original to the pistol. The rear sight is a square notch in the barrel latch that is adjustable for windage & elevation.Two flats of the square notch rear sight offer a wide field of view for such a fine front blade. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The extension style target grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamond patterns around the upper grip screw. The grips extend about 7/8” below the bottom of the grip frame. The grips show some nicks out of the bottom edges and a compression mark in the checkering and on the rear face of the left panel. Moderate wear is evident on the checkering. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.The oversized target grips are original to the piece. The grips rate in about 95% overall condition.  There are tiny wear marks and are smoothed and grips have some chips. Please see our photos.

Type of Finish: Blue Steel, Case hardened hammer, trigger and trigger guard. Walnut Diamond Grips

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The olympic bore is still very fine. The rifling is strong. There is zero visible erosion in the bore. The bore rates in 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains 90% of its factory blue. The screw heads are bright with strong slots. The rib of the barrel is slightly worn on the edge. There are small scratches throughout the finish. There is some thinning on the muzzle. The grip screws show some marks but are in very good condition. The markings are strong. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition in this writer’s opinion. Please see the photos.

Mechanics: The action functions flawlessly and locks up great. The Ejector functions excellently. 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:  This is an S&W Model 3 Perfected Target Pistol that was made between 1909 and 1923. It is a single and double action, single shot top-break pistol that has a long 10” Olympic barrel (First Type) with a Patridge front sight and a square notch sight on the barrel latch that is adjustable for windage and elevation. The pistol is in about Fine condition with about 95% 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 costing of handling marks is visible on the barrel, otherwise, relatively light marks are present. The checkered walnut 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. They are 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.-K. F.