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. 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, with 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 16 inch barrel with a two leaf folding rear sight (without a front sight) 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. Blue finish with casehardened hammer and trigger guard. 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 blue finished attaching iron and a checkered hard rubber buttplate with S&W monogram.

Very good. The revolving rifle retains 30% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina. Some mild pitting is present. The hammer and trigger guard retain traces of original case colors. Checkering has been added to the trigger and a solder spot ahead of the trigger. The forearm and grips are fine with a cracked left grip panel (at the top) and some minor handling marks (mostly on the bottom of the grips) with overall crisp checkering. Action needs work has cylinder does not lock tightly. The stock is very good with the attaching iron retaining traces of original blue finish with some minor pitting and the wood has a large wood filled repair on the underside and some minor handling marks. Mechanically needs work as it is locked up.