Manufactured 1879 to 1887 with a total production of only 977, this is one of the rarest Smith & Wesson firearms produced. Serial numbered from 1 to 977, the serial number on this rifle would indicate later production. Of the 977 manufactured, 514 had the 18 inch barrel. Only 840 of these were sold in the U.S. and the remaining 137 were exported. 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 being made of two pieces. A slot is cut into the butt and a hole drilled in the back strap to accommodate the shoulder stock. The rifle features an 18 inch barrel with a globe front sight with cross hair aperture 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 dates. The matching serial number appears on the butt, cylinder and barrel latch. Blue finish with casehardened hammer and trigger guard. The barrel is fitted with a checkered hard rubber red mottled forearm with the S&W monogram on the underside. The grips are matching with S&W monograms in a circle at the tops. The stock is smooth select grade Circassian walnut with blue finished attaching iron, peep sight mounted on the tang and a checkered black hard rubber buttplate with S&W monogram. Complete in an original hard leather case with double leather straps, leather handle and brass corner protectors. The lining is cow hide and there are three compartments, one for the rifle, one for the stock and one for a box of cartridges, (not included).

Very fine. The rifle retains 90% original blue finish with some muzzle and high edge wear, some scattered minor flaking and light collector type handling marks. The hammer retains 70% strong and deep original case colors with a smooth dove gray patina on the balance. The trigger guard has a smooth gray patina with strong original case colors in the protected areas. The globe front sight retains most of its handsome original niter blue finish. The forearm and grips are excellent with crisp checkering, exhibiting a highly attractive color scheme. The stock is excellent with 90% original bright blue finish on the attaching iron and a few minor dings and a couple of minor scratches on the stock. The buttplate is excellent. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. The case is good with some edge wear, a small piece of the side wall absent and some contact wear to the lining, heaviest from the hammer and three staple repairs. The buckle on one strap has separated and is with the case. A rare and excellent Model 320 Revolving Rifle