Smith & Wesson S&W 3rd Model 1891 Perfected 10″ .22 LR Target Pistol, C&R

SOLD FOR: $756.25

WOA#: WY240318RU087

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Third Model Single Shot, Perfected Model

Serial Number: 8516

Year of Manufacture: 1909-1923

Caliber: .22 LR

Action Type: Single Shot Top Break Pistol

Markings: The frontstrap is marked “8516”. The right of the barrel is marked “22 LONG RIFLE CTG”, the top is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A.” and with patent dates, the left is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The bottom of the barrel latch, rear face of the barrel at the latch and underside of the ejector are each marked “8516”. The inside of the right grip panel has “8516” hand-written in pencil.

Barrel Length: 10″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to the rib. The rear sight is a square notch mounted to the barrel latch, adjustable for windage.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with S&W medallions and smooth diamonds. The grips are target extension stocks. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs, compressions, and a few scratches. Most of the defects have colored with age. The checkering is strong. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are some scattered tiny nicks and minor scuffs. There are a couple of more notable nicks on the right edge of the rib and on the face of the muzzle. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, the pistol is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel has barely perceptible play to the frame. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Beginning with the Model of 1891, their first single-shot pistol, Smith & Wesson gained a reputation for making one of the finest target pistols available in the world. The first three models bore a resemblance to Smith & Wesson’s revolver offerings and the last one having the appearance of an autoloader. The 1st Model even retained the full recoil shield of the .38 Single Action 3rd Model revolver, features would be further refined until the resemblance with a revolver was totally gone and we were left with the ultimate model, the Straight Line Target. This example is a Third Model and has a 10? barrel and walnut grips. The Third Model frame has a strong resemblance to the hand ejectors of the time and has an integral trigger guard in contrast to its predecessors. The lockwork is similar also, and the pistol can even fire in double action…a feature of questionable utility for a single shot target pistol, but interesting nonetheless. These pistols, with their distinctive looks and limited production, are quite desirable among Smith & Wesson collectors and this example is in Fine condition with matching numbered parts and original finish. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud