Smith & Wesson Scofield Carbine

[AussieTH]

This is on display at a gun broker that I frequent. It is not for sale (it is being swapped for an original Walker – so must be worth a fair pile of money.

I am told it is a Smith & Wesson Schofield customised by the factory into a carbine with a fixed stock and extended barrel.

Pretty little thing. Not enough room to get it all in plus any detail.

 

[Old Fuff]

Tis not a Schofield.

But rather a Smith & Wesson model 320 Revolving Rifle. 977 were made between 1879 to 1887. They were serial numbered between 1 to 977, with 840 being sold in the U.S. while 137 were exported. Used a special .32 cartridge. Barrel lengths were 16, 18 and 20 inches.

S&W also made a similar revolver with a detachable shoulder stock but standard length barrel for the police "down under." I will have to look up the details.

 

[AussieTH]

Aye Old Fuff,

Quite a fund of knowledge are you not? Your really must go and stay awhile with GOTC (and invite Scrat) shoot some bears etc.

While you are there remind GOTC that he owes the Walker Club a BBQ (we are bringing the rolls and BBQ sauce - but he seems to be avoiding the subject just lately )

My eyeball assessment was an 18" barrel. There was a whole mass of information stamped into the top of the barrel but I did not have time to jot it down. The wife was impatient for the off - she had already decided on the pocket police she wanted and was not interested in carbines - besides we were running late to pick up a Chinese take away which she definitely wanted!

Many thanks for input again.

T.

 

[Oro]

That is one rare bird there. The books states it was based off the #3, so it has lineage with the Schofield.

Wow, the burl in that fore end. Oyy Vey! Book value on that (2006 pub. date) put's it at around US$10,000 from what I can see of the condition in your photo account when I blow it up, and assuming no case, etc. What an interesting piece.

 

[Old Fuff]

Wow, the burl in that fore end. Oyy Vey!

Comes from an extremely rare tree known as gutta-percha.

Yup, the same stuff they used to make they're black hard-rubber stocks out of, but with different colors. They also used it to make grips for revolvers, but they are scarce to say the least.

There is an example that's illustrated on a .38 Double Action shown on the auction thats presently under discussion on the Walker Revolver thread in the Black Powder forum. Ya' owe it to yourself to go look...

I'll see if I can find you a link and lot number.


http://www.proxibid.com/asp/Catalog.asp?aid=19924 Lot # 576

http://www.proxibid.com/asp/Catalog.asp Lot #1372

 

[NobleSniper]

Thats most impressive. I have to see some more pics of that when you get a chance

 

[AussieTH]

I will see if I can get more complete photos next time I am down there - I really have not done the piece justice - just virtually a glimpse of it.

I do not believe that it is cased. Although I am not any form of expert, the metal on the gun appears to be smoothly aged into patina with no staining or pitting, nor marks. The wood work is superb. I caught a bit of the grip carving but the fore stock is really beautiful. All the carving looks almost brand new. No scratches or dings etc.

 

[NobleSniper]

I have heard of them but never seen one. Me thinks its time to visit the land down under

 

[Old Fuff]

Go back to post #5 and look at the links.

Tony:

If you could get the serial number (stamped on the butt) I might be able to find more information.

 

[BCRider]

WOW!

A while back I got the idea of looking for and buying a buntline revolver just to make a revolver carbine out of it. But at the time I had not considered the wood forend. That adds a whole other dimension.

Along with the forestock comes the need for wrist protection from the side sheet of gases. I'm guessing that those leather wrist cuffs often seen around were there for this reason?

 

[Old Fuff]

During the cap & ball era, wise shooters always kept their left hand under the trigger guard, down and behind the front of the cylinder. Obviously a chain fire could otherwise ruin one's day. After metallic cartridges came along the chance of a chain fire was less probable, but it was still a good idea to keep the left hand well away from the front of the cylinder, or well forward of the cylinder face.

 

[GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL]

AussieTH, good evening to you sir. No, I'm not avoiding the issue. I'm just real busy by and large. Besides, do you or the rest of them have just one reason why I should allow you on my little piece of property? I came up here to get away from people, not to invite them to come flocking around! I don't like people. Just maybe a girl like for 30 minutes. After that it's time for her to go. I don't give a damn where she goes as long as it's far from me!... Yeah, that's a true story about that bear. I didn't sleep the rest of the night. I kept the fire built up good and listened and watched. (sometimes they travel in pairs) That Walker wiped his ass for him Aussie TH. It really did. Plus there was all the noise and concussion and the hot muzzle flash. I wanted the skin real bad but it was just too big of a job for my skinny little tail. I did eat part of him though. Ate on him off and on for a week, then he started getting a little too ripe. You know, they eat a few of us and we eat a few of them. It pretty well even's out over the long haul..Great White Hunter...