S&W Model 1 1/2
Smith & Wesson · Revolver · Discontinued · 1865
Also known as: Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 1/2, S&W No. 1 1/2
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2 was the company's second .32-caliber revolver, intended to combine the compact size of the .22 Model 1 with a more potent cartridge than the smaller pocket guns. A single-action, five-shot tip-up revolver chambered in .32 Rimfire, it was loaded by tipping the barrel up to remove the cylinder. Produced from 1865 to 1892 in three issues, total production exceeded 223,000. The first two issues were rimfire tip-up designs, while the Third Issue introduced the .32 S&W centerfire cartridge.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 312 g (11.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 191 mm (7.52") |
| Barrel Length | 89 mm (3.50") |
| Action Type | Single Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 210 m/s (689 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 119 J (88 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 18 m (20 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 55 m (60 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Nickel |
Calibers
- .32 Short Rimfire · primary — also known as .32 Short, .32 RF Short
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tip Up Cylinder
- Features: Tip Up Barrel, Removable Cylinder, Spur Trigger, Birds Head Grip
Variants
- S&W Model 1 1/2 2nd Issue — Second Issue
Service history
Operators
- American civilians
Production
Estimated total produced: 223,000 · Production years: 1865-1892
Approx. 26,000 First Issue; total across all issues exceeded 223,000.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson
Discontinued: 1892
Notes
First Issue had a non-fluted cylinder and flat-bottomed square grip; Second Issue had a fluted cylinder and rounded bird's-head grip. The Third Issue debuted the .32 S&W centerfire cartridge.
Background
The Model 1 1/2 bridged the gap between Smith & Wesson's tiny .22 Model 1 and the belt-sized .32 Model 2 Army, giving civilians a genuinely pocketable revolver in a more serious caliber.