Manufactured 1879 to 1887 with a total production of only 977, this is one of the rarest Smith & Wesson firearms produced. Of the 977 manufactured, 840 remained in the U.S., 137 were exported and only 239 were made with the 16 inch barrel. Serial numbered from 1 to 977, the serial number on this rifle, "50", would indicate very early production. This scarce and unusual revolving rifle was sometimes referred to as the Smith & Wesson "Buntline Special" in the combination of a long barreled revolver with attaching shoulder stock. This Model 320 was manufactured using the frame, cylinder and basic action of the New Model No. 3 revolver with some minor differences in the hammer and trigger, with the barrel made of two pieces. A slot is cut into the butt and a hole drilled in the backstrap to accommodate the shoulder stock. The rifle features an 16 inch barrel with a interchangeable front blade sight and two leaf folding rear sight. The rifle is chambered for the 320 Smith & Wesson cartridge. The top of the rib is marked with the two line address/patent, reissue dates. The serial number "50" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. The toe of the front strap is marked with the five pointed factory rework star. The frame under the left grip is stamped "356" indicating this gun was returned to the factory for refinishing in March, 1956. The barrel is fitted with a checkered hard rubber forearm with a "wood grain" pattern and the S&W monogram. The grips are matching with S&W monograms in a circle at the top. The stock is smooth walnut with nickel finished attaching iron and a black checkered hard rubber buttplate with S&W monogram.

Very fine as factory refinished.The rifle retains 98% nickel finish with some minor muzzle wear and overall scattered minor dings and scratches. The hammer and trigger guard have a smooth dark patina. The trigger retention has been reduced to the very slightest pull. The forearm and grips are also excellent showing only light handling marks and crisp checkering. The rare and highly attractive forearm and grip on this Model 320 exhibit the most exceptional grain appearance this writer can recall. The stock has been refinished and remains very good with a few minor dings. The hardware retains 99% original nickel with a small area beginning to frost and some pock marks (poor factory casting) under the finish.