Manufactured 1879 to 1887 with a total production of only 977, this is one of the lowest production Smith & Wesson firearms produced. Of the 977 manufactured, 840 remained in the U.S., 137 were exported and only 239 were made with 16 inch barrels. Serial numbered from 1 to 977. This scarce and unusual revolving rifle 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 and the barrel composed 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 a two leaf folding rear sight and a blue finished blade sight on a silver base on a solid rib marked with the two-line address/patent date marking. The serial number is found on the butt, barrel, barrel latch and cylinder. The revolving rifle has a unique factory two-tone finish with the barrel blue and the cylinder and frame nickel (the rear face of the cylinder has blue finish in the cut-out for the ejector). The hammer and trigger guard have the standard case colors. The barrel is fitted with a checkered red mottled hard rubber forearm with 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 checkered hard rubber buttplate with S&W monogram. The case has brass corner protectors and includes an empty box of Smith & Wesson revolving rifle cartridges, cleaning rod, bottle of oil, oil can and caution tag.

Very fine as partially refinished. The barrel retains 95% bright original blue high polish finish with the balance thinning to a brown. The period, possibly factory, replated frame and cylinder retain 97% original nickel finish showing flaking on the front cylinder face. The hammer and trigger guard retain some strong and vivid original case colors. The forearm and grips are excellent with overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The stock is excellent with some minor pressure dents and 98% plus of the nickel finish on the attaching iron. The case is fair with a detached lid and missing handle and straps.