Smith & Wesson 1-1/2. Anybody shoot one.

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

I recently brought up the Remington 1863 revolver for discussion.   I would now like to bring up a comparable pistol made by Smith and Wesson, the model 1-1/2 top break.   It looks like this...

 

Unlike the Remington, the S&W was made from the get go as a cartridge gun, and it was the first gun chambered for the .32 S&W cartridge.  They are five shot revolvers.   But they seem to be the same "class" of pistol; small frame, small caliber, single action, and even the spur trigger.

So, does anyone shoot one of these guns?  They were marketed up until the 1910's, if the information I have read is correct, but I do not know if the frames were all made prior to 1898 like their larger cousins.

I have recently become "interested" in these smaller single action revolvers by various makers and am in the process of learning more about them.   And they don't all have spur triggers.   Some of the smaller cap and ball Colts, for example.   Anyway, any thoughts on this, the Smith & Wesson, would be welcome.

Edited October 22, 2025 by H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619

[Cholla]

I have shot my S&W tip-up in 32 rimfire using loads I made myself.

[Rooster Ron Wayne]

I have a hand full of little pocket pistols .

They are a little of fun and addictive  😆 

 

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

58 minutes ago, Cholla said:

I have shot my S&W tip-up in 32 rimfire using loads I made myself.

Those tip up ones are quite interesting pistols in their own right.    I wish someone would make a reproduction in .32 S&W.    But I doubt it'll ever happen.

And while we are at it, there is apparently a .38 version if the pistol in my initial post, the so called "Baby Russian."  

As I think about it, while it is obvious to think of .32's when it comes to small pistols, the ones in .38 S&W are essentially in the same class as these.   But I am specifically thinking about single actions.    Partly because they are not as commonly ubiquitous as the double action pocket pistols of the era.  

[watab kid]

i have a version of that in 22 short but mine is a no1 - 1880 dated , love these little pocket handguns , 

[Timothy]

I too would love to see a replica of these classics. They out sold the belt revolvers we're so fond of 10 to 1 from i understand. I believe the initial post show a 3rd model 1 1/2 .32sw

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

3 hours ago, Timothy said:

I believe the initial post show a 3rd model 1 1/2 .32sw

 

That is correct.

A nice "inaccurate reproduction" would be the baby Russian sized gun, but chambered in .32 S&W so it could be loaded with 5 with the hammer on an empty chamber.  Historically, the Baby Russian and the 1-1/2 were in .38 and .32 S&W respectively, and both were 5 shot cylinders.

Or, perhaps both in their proper 5 shot configuration and caliber, but with a safety notch of some kind.

Doubt we'll ever see it.

[Red River Rudy, SASS #8490 LIFE]

I have shot my Baby Russian and my 1 1/2.  I was amazed that these were primary pocket pistols of the time. The Baby Russian was made only in 1876 and my 1 1/2 is from a similar time frame.  Really a lot of history and a lot of reflection when shooting these old guns.

[Hoss]

Collecting pocket pistols can be an addiction!  It’s fun to think of where these guns might have been. Gamblers hide out gun, LEO backup,  store keeper under the counter,  lady if the night garter gun? Lots of possibilities ! 
 

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

Well, I found a really nice one of these pistols and it came in the FedEx today.

 

 

When I found the listing for this one with the unusual 6" barrel, I knew it was the one for me.   The finish is nearly flawless, and the star on the back of the cylinder indicates that it it was redone at the factory.   I'll be lettering it ASAP.  There are some very minor blemishes in a couple of spots, but looks great.   Mechanically, it IS flawless.   Almost like it's never been fired.   Trigger is nice, and I think it's a really nice gun.  .32 S&W is the caliber.

I look forward to shooting it soon.

[watab kid]

thats an interesting one , never seen one with  the long barrel 

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

Me either!

The Wiki article says it was a regular option, if not a common one.

[watab kid]

huh , you couldnt prove that in my 3/4 century of looking at guns 

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

Prove what?