Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army

History

The master patent for the Colt revolver eventually expired in the mid-18th century, allowing various gun manufacturers to profit from the development and sale of similar firearms during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Seizing the opportunity to provide useful military pistols, Smith & Wesson developed a line of relatively small cartridge-firing guns.

This was especially important for many pistols at the time that still relied on two-piece "cap" cartridges - Smith & Wesson pistols fired a separate one-piece cartridge that protected the cartridge's contents from external influences. Influences such as weather and environment.

The gun also uses a perforated barrel based on a patent obtained from Rollin White, features that immediately set the gun apart from the competition.

The series was used in "The War Between America" ??and brought instant success to the Union Army - so much so that Smith and Wesson couldn't keep up with wartime demands.

The first product in the series, simply called "Model 1", was a version intended for close quarters self-defense. To keep its size manageable (and light weight), it is designed for the . 22 rimfire cartridge. The successor, the eventual "Model 2," expanded accordingly to introduce more useful products.

32 rimfire cartridge, which promises to be more capable of stopping people in tight spaces. Despite its larger size, the Model 2 is still compact enough for standard infantry to carry covertly.

Between 1861 and 1864, over 77,000 examples of the weapon were made. 4", 5" and 6" barrel lengths were eventually offered.

Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army Specs

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes