Smith & Wesson S&W 3rd Model 1891 Perfected .22 LR Target Pistol, 1924 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,350

WOA#: WY240318RU089

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Third Model Single Shot, Perfected Model

Serial Number: 11112

Year of Manufacture: 1924

Caliber: .22 LR, Olympic Chamber (see Our Assessment)

Action Type: Single Shot Top Break Pistol

Markings: The frontstrap is marked “11112”. 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 left of the frame has an S&W monogram logo. The rear face of the barrel at the latch and underside of the ejector are each marked “11112”. The inside of the right grip panel has “11112” 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 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 90% of its metal finish. There is some scattered minor finish wear, mostly on the barrel. There is some minor oxidation on the right of the frame. There are a few minor nicks and scratches. 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 Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel has no 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: This pistol comes with a S&W factory records letter which indicates that the pistol shipped December 4, 1924 to New York Sporting Good Company in New York City.

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.

This example is just a little more special, not only for its original finish, great bore, strong mechanics, and factory records letter. It also is one of few examples produced with an Olympic chamber. For these pistols, the chamber had a shortened throat, requiring the bullet to be pressed into the rifling to seat fully. This prevents misalignment of the bullet when entering the rifling, as may happen with a standard chamber. For the dedicated S&W collector, this is not one you want to pass up. Please see our photos and good luck!

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