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Shooting an old S&W 22

nomadictao
I have an old model one third issue S&W 22 short. I know it would be a bad idea to shoot modern 22 amo out of it. However, I wonder just WHAT I can shoot out of it. CB caps? Superlow velocity stuff? Has anyone ever seen black-powder 22 short that wasn't an expensive antique? Thanks[:)]
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8 comments

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  • haroldchrismeyer
    I wish I had an answer, but I have the same question. Problem is this. Is it worth it to take a chance on blowing something up that is 130+ years old?? I wanted to shoot mine too, but after asking the same question on here a year ago I decided to leave mine in the gun safe. I would feel bad if something happened to it.
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  • nomadictao
    Thanks, So unless someone has an idea, its off to the safe.[:(] Mabe someday I'll get some of those black powder blanks and pretend to shoot it![:p][xx(]
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  • ATF
    One of these guys would be glad to help you out.Go to the Forum Smith & Wesson Revolvers 1857 to 1945.You may have to register.It's a very slow loading site. [^]

    http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/cgi-bin/sandwcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro

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    When a worm wants to relax,does he go fishing? "And remember a wet dog doesn't fly at night" ATF,Eagle Guns
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  • robkelly2242
    I have a 7 shot single action US made revolver from about 1870. It will chamber a .22 short, so I suppose it was made for the black powder .22 short loads. I have been shooting Eley .22 CB caps in it with no problems, feeling that if it does blow up, there's not enough power to do any damage. The gun weighs about 6 oz. and is marked LEADER with no other markings, numbers, etc. At 10 feet, from a 2" barrel, it will just about penetrate 3/4" pine, unless the bullet is travelling sideways (about 30% of the shots) at which point I can pick it out of the wood surface with a knife blade.

    Forget your .50 S&W, .470 Linebuagh, .454 Casull and the rest of those pansy guns. This is a gun for a REAL MAN! If you shoot someone with this, he will get seriously pissed off, and you will have to finish him off with your bare hands.
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  • v35
    The Eley CBs are too accurate to waste on plinking with an early Smith 3rd issue. To my knowledge, they are out of production and should be saved for special occasions. They are good for popping crows in the back yard using an accurate rifle.
    Because of the 22 Short length and very low pressure, the CCI CB in the 22Short case should be safe. I have a box of Dynamit Nobel 22 BB Caps that I won't shoot in any gun because they wedge in the chamber. The old guns were made of very soft steel. As kids we had old junker 22s with expanded chambers in the rear 1/4" that I attribute to extensive use of 22 CB and BB Caps that were a lot cheaper (and quieter) than shorts, longs or long rifles.
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  • nomadictao
    Thanks alot for the info...I'll try the cci CBs. I'll probably just shoot a few, just so the gun knows its got a new owner.
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  • mrmike08075
    we have fired modern CB and SHORT .22 rimfires out of pre-1900 guns...
    SHARPS PEPPERBOX
    ROLIN WHITE REVOLVER
    SMITH & WESSON MODEL 1 (2ND ISSUE)
    DERINGER REVOLVER (PHILADA)
    KOLB BABY HAMMERLESS
    ETC...

    assuming the gun has been inspected, and is in safe, working order, and that the CB or SHORT ammo in question in standard velocity you should not experiance any problems.

    you should also take into consideration the guns origins. if its a "SUICIDE SPECIAL" or of poor manufacture than extra caution should be taken.

    one should also take care to wear hearing and eye protection in these circumstances (as well as all other shooting senarios). we occasionaly employ a special heavy leather mitt (like an oven mitt) and a full legth lexan / plastic face shield during test firing on some arms of this vintage.

    many collectors (the "WHITE GLOVE" crowd) cringe at the thought of handling these guns, let alone test firing one, but if the piece meets the above stated conditions we like to fire them at least once. (just to say we did...).

    CAUTION:
    on guns of this diminutive size and length you should take care not to allow your fingers to be positioned to the point that they block the muzzle. i know this sounds like common sense, but it should be foremost in your thoughts.

    have fun, be safe.
    best regards, mike.



    What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.
    contact me at the shop at waltsgun@aol.com best regards, mike.
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  • nomadictao
    Just shot some CBs out of it and it worked perfect!! Not very accurate though--but not really desinged for that I guess.[:)]
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