Smith & Wesson Model No. 1
Smith & Wesson · Revolver · Discontinued · 1857
Also known as: S&W Model 1, Smith & Wesson First Model
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 is a single-action, tip-up revolver introduced in 1857 and the first firearm Smith & Wesson ever produced. Holding seven .22 Short rimfire rounds in a bored-through cylinder, it was the first commercially successful revolver designed for self-contained metallic cartridges, displacing loose powder, ball, and percussion caps and selling strongly through the American Civil War as a pocket-sized self-defense arm.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 283 g (10.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Barrel Length | 81 mm (3.19") |
| Action Type | Single Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 213 m/s (699 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 43 J (32 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 10 m (11 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Short · primary — also known as .22 Short, .22 BB Cap
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Features: Tip Up Barrel, Spur Trigger, Bored Through Cylinder, Fixed Sights
Variants
- Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 Second Issue — Production Revision
- Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 Third Issue — Production Revision
Service history
Operators
- American civilian market
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Production years: 1857-1882
Produced across three issues; the design's success was built on the Rollin White bored-through cylinder patent
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Horace Smith
Discontinued: 1882
Notes
Built around Rollin White's bored-through cylinder patent, which gave S&W an effective monopoly on cartridge revolvers in the US until 1869. Made in First, Second, and Third Issue patterns.
Background
The Model No. 1 was the first commercially successful revolver to fire self-contained metallic rimfire cartridges, and Smith & Wesson's lock on the Rollin White bored-through cylinder patent forced rivals like Colt to wait until 1869 to build cartridge revolvers of their own.