The 'Lemonsqueezer'...

[St. George]

St. George's Notes XXXIV - The 'Lemonsqueezer'...

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File this alongside your Pocket Pistol information from Notes XII and XVIV.

In 1887, Smith & Wesson introduced the latest in personal protection - the 'Lemonsqueezer'.

These little revolvers were wildly popular as soon as the buying public saw them - safe, light, smooth and fast - the 'Lemonsqueezer' embodied all that was good about a highly concealable handgun, and were carried by all sorts of folks during the era.

That they continued production well into the new century was high praise, indeed - and proved their reputation for high quality.

They got the nickname 'Lemonsqueezer' from the grip safety that had to be depressed in order to fire.

The .32 Safety Hammerless - aka 'Lemonsqueezer' , 'New Departure or 'Safety' - was first produced beginning in 1888.

First Model - 1888-1902 - 91,417 made  (1-91417)

Second Model - 1902-1909 - 78.500 made. (91418-170000)

Third Model - 1909-1937 - 73,000 made. (170000-242981)

The .38 Safety Hammerless - same names as above - was first produced beginning in 1887.

First Model - 1887 - 5,250 made. (1-5250)

Second Model - 1887-1890 - 37,350 made (5251-42483)

Third Model - 1890-1898 - 73,500 made. (42484-116002)

Fourth Model - 1898-1907 - 104,000 (116003-220000)

Fifth Model - 1907-1940 - 41,500 (220000-261493)

(serial number and production dates from 'The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson' - Supica, Naha)

These fine revolvers - properly cleaned and lubed - lock up just as tight as a modern S&W, and they feature a strain screw
that allows some adjustment of spring tension.

As with any piece as potentially old as what you'll encounter - springs 'may' be somewhat tired - necessitating replacement.

Fortunately for you - the long production life they enjoyed ensures that spares can be found - albeit with some effort - and if you've got a copy of Chicoine's 'Gunsmithing Guns of the Old West' - you can do your own work fairly easily.

If you don't have a copy - disassembly's straightforward, so long as you understand the mechanism and how to properly remove the sideplate.

Do NOT pry the sideplate - simply remove the grip panels carefully (hard rubber 'can' get brittle) and the sideplate screws, then tap the side of the frame with a hammer handle - the sideplate'll 'pop' off, so be prepared.

Replace firmly  and tighten the screws equally when your work is done.

If you manage to connect with one of these belly guns - you're going to enjoy shooting it.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Great information. Thanks for posting it.

[St. George]

These little revolvers are sort of ubiquitous and they're popular, besides.

Always fun to own and to use.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!