S&W 320 Revolving Rifle

Published on November 10, 2014
Duration: 5:56

The Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle, produced from 1879-1887, is a rare firearm based on the New Model No. 3 revolver. Its design suffered from 'blow-by' gas leakage at the cylinder gap, a significant issue in a rifle that was manageable in handguns. This model featured a unique proprietary .320 S&W cartridge and advanced sighting systems for its time.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle, produced from 1879-1887, is a rare firearm based on the New Model No. 3 revolver. Its main flaw was 'blow-by' gas leakage at the cylinder gap, a safety risk for the support arm. It used a proprietary .320 S&W cartridge.

Chapters

  1. 00:20Introduction to the S&W 320
  2. 00:54The Revolving Rifle 'Blow-By' Problem
  3. 01:22S&W 320 Production History & Rarity
  4. 01:55Mechanical Design: New Model No. 3 Basis
  5. 02:34Sighting System Explained
  6. 03:21Materials and Detachable Stock
  7. 04:25The .320 S&W Proprietary Cartridge

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main problem with revolving rifles like the S&W 320?

The primary issue was 'blow-by,' where hot gases and lead shavings escaped the gap between the cylinder and barrel. While minor in handguns, this posed a significant safety risk to the shooter's support arm in a rifle.

How rare is the Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle?

The S&W Model 320 is exceptionally rare. It was manufactured between 1879 and 1887, with only 977 units produced in total, making it one of Smith & Wesson's least common firearms.

What caliber was the S&W Model 320 Revolving Rifle chambered in?

It was chambered in a proprietary cartridge called .320 S&W. This design featured the bullet seated below the case mouth to prevent it from contacting the cylinder walls before firing.

What mechanical basis did the S&W 320 Revolving Rifle use?

The S&W Model 320 was mechanically based on the Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 revolver. It featured a single-action, top-break design with an automatic extractor.

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