Need info on the S-M Sporter .22rf pistol

[45Broomhandle]

Below is the only ad I've been able to find for this smart looking little peashooter. Marketed towards the crowd looking for an inexpensive "tackle box" gun, it certainly bears a striking resemblemce to the German Lugers which were popping up on the market following the end of WW II.



Above ad ran in the American Rifleman magazine, April 1953 issue. The gun has been written up in the 1985 Edition Gun Digest and the August 1963 American Rifleman.



All the info on its ODDBALL serial number groups are explained, but neither tell us when exactly Smith and Manson formed their company called S-M Corp. of Alexandria, VA - nor what dates they contracted with Richmond-Parke Co. of Springfield, MA to produce the guns.

Are there any S-M owners out there who have found documentation of the company's start and end dates?

I'd certainly appreciate any info.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ 45Broomhandle

 

[Clermont]

The following advertisement and product review for the pre-production S-M Sporter single shot .22 pistol are from the May 1953 American Rifleman. I hope this information helps you.

 

[45Broomhandle]

Clermont, I certainly appreciate the info. I have the APRIL '53 issue of American Rifleman, but you say yours is from the MAY '53 issue!!!

I failed to mention that the updated TOTAL production, as reported by the Gun Digest article was a MERE 600 guns!!! That would be a LOT less than a one year output of most gun factories in those days!!!

I thought I had ALL the 1953 editions BUT, May is probably one I'm missing. Am very ill at moment with BIG health problems, so may have to do a better search when I feel better.

At least we've got a start now. Must be more ads out there somewhere! However, everything I've read, including comments by Mr. Manson, about the gun leads me to believe it was probably in prouduction for less than a year.

He also noted that they had IMMEDIATE, and many, returns due to the very faulty design of the grip section be VERY unstable and broke-up soon after absorbing a box or less of ammo from the pounding of the action against the post-type connection of the grip.

Thanks again for you help.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ 45Broomhandle

 

[Jim K]

I first saw one of those when Manson was touting them at an NRA convention in Washington in, I guess, 1953. I thought it was junk, but was too polite to say so. IIRC, the first ones did not have a return spring; the bolt had to be pushed forward after the chamber was loaded.

Jim

 

[45Broomhandle]

Jim K your comment about a return spring is interesting. I've had several but never gave it thought about returns because I've always made it a point NOT to fire any of my collectibles - and possibly ruin them or injury someone - especially since I've go so many other modern guns of all types in my possession.

The one I've pictured above is one of the LATEST production from 6000 to 6200. I believe I've still got a couple of others stashed away from different SN groups and when I'm better health-wise, will have dig them out and check that return.

Thanks for the tip!

To bad when you spoke with Manson that you didn't have him autograph the paperwork in a boxed specimen to leave in you gun vault until now!

Best regards ~ ~ ~ 45Broomhandle

 

[45Broomhandle]

Just ordered, via PayPal, a like new edition of May 1953 America Rifleman so now have the full year - as well as wanted original of the ad and info in that issue by S-M.

Thanks for the tip.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ 45Broomandle

 

[Clermont]

Isn't the return spring the same as the recoil spring? Without it there would be no resistance to the bolt traveling rearward.

 

[45Broomhandle]

On way out the door to Dr. appt.. Will dig out schematic when I get back.

45B

 

[Radagast]

45broomhandle:
Good luck with the doc and I hope your health improves quickly. I always enjoy reading your posts about quirky designs that I've never heard of.

 

[45Broomhandle]

Thought I had a schematic of the S-M but could only find this quote from the American Rifleman Dope Bag article of 1963. I'm quoting the author: "The pistol is cocked by retracting the bolt knob which opens the breech for loading. After placing a cartridge in the chamber, the breech opens automatically when the gun is fired to extract and eject the first case and cocks the lock mechanism for the next shot."

I'll next check which SN I've got stashed away and check it for such a spring. May take time, got piles of appts. for health problems.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ 45Broomhandle

 

[Jim K]

Clermont, the point is that on a blowback action, the mass of the breechblock keeps it closed until the pressure drops; the spring is used only to return the slide, reloading the pistol. I admit to being a bit hazy on the S-M, but H & R made a single shot .22 rifle that had no return/recoil spring. The gun fired, the bolt came back and stayed back, held only by friction. When the shooter reloaded, he had to push the bolt handle forward to close the bolt so the gun could be fired again.

Jim