Smith and Wesson Repeating Rifle

[Henry4440]

Here is a pic of a Smith & Wesson repeating rifle and some Volcanic rifles.
Question: Is the frame of the Smith & Wesson the same size as the frame of the Henry Rifle?

[CRM]

I believe that (experimental) rifle shot the Rocket Ball.
The proof would be that very short opening in the top of the frame, just behind the barrel.

The The frame would be smaller than the Henry, especially at the front end where the Cartridge Carrier is.

As you know, they (Smith + Wesson) were the inventors of the Volcanic action which was later evolved into the Henry.

I wonder where these Rifles are located?

[Herbert]

the large top engraved one is described by Harold F Williamson assmith&wesson expermental rifle made at Norwich,Connecticut in 1854 or 1855.This rifle is chamberd for a .50 cal rimfire cartrige(B.T Henry was working for them at the time)aparently this experment was not followed up on by the  Volcanic Co,it was again revisited by the New Haven Arms Company an the rest is well known,The rifles would be in the Winchester colection in Codeys Buffalow Bill musuem I would think,the XP 50 cal would have to have a biger frame than the Henry ,but that 50 rimfire cartrige must have been short by the look of the ejection port

[Henry4440]

I wonder where these Rifles are located?

Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming.

The serial number: 1
Cal. 52 rimfire metallic cartridge
Circa 1854
Engraver: Unknown

[CRM]

Good information Guys.

I did not realize they had a "Rimfire" that early. Makes you wonder why they continued to struggle with that "Rocket Ball" !
Yeah, that action could be even larger than the "Henry", seeing as how it is 50 Caliber.

MAN !!!!!!!! those Volcanic actions look short !
It could be distortion of the picture. That bottom rifle looks smaller than the Silver Plated one just above it ! Which is not the case as far as I know.

I have never held a Volcanic Rifle (for real), I scaled pictures to get the dimensions for my rifles.
Even if I went to that Museum, I don't think they would let me take um out and play with em

I have handled and measured an 8" Navy Volcanic Pistol, and use basically the same Action for the Rifles.

Lonesome Henry, you sure have a passion for these guns ! Are you permitted to own a gun in Germany?

[Henry4440]

Lonesome Henry, you sure have a passion for these guns ! Are you permitted to own a gun in Germany?

Yip.
A pic of my guns, at the moment.

[CRM]

OHHHH YEAH !

You are my kind of man.

You do need a (shooting) Volcanic.

[Henry4440]

You do need a (shooting) Volcanic.

YIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Henry4440]

[Driftwood Johnson]

I have never held a Volcanic Rifle (for real), I scaled pictures to get the dimensions for my rifles.

Howdy

I was lucky enough to hold a Volcanic once. An antique auction house at a big local gun show had one. I was one of the few people who recognized it. The dealer was kind enough to allow me to hold it and inspect it. It was really tiny, about the size of a boy's 22 rifle. I forget how much it eventually sold for, but it was a lot.

[Montana Slim]

Thaty have a "new" crop of Volcanic's coming to the next Rock Island Auction....I'll have to stop by to handle the merchandise 

Slim

[Dr. Bob]

Sure Slim, rub it in!     

[Montana Slim]

 ;DYup, I just luv to run my hands over them EX-PEN-SIVE firearms that someone else will soon be owning...But...I do treat them with utmost care and respect. Folks there are either delighted in astonishment....or cringe when they learn I actually SHOOT some of the old-irons.

Slim

[Dr. Bob]

Slim,

I suppose you wipe the drool off when yer done??     

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Slim,

I suppose you wipe the drool off when yer done??     

I'd bet that's a given, for Slim to handle them!   

[Montana Slim]

After 15-20 minutes of looking, I'm slightly deydrated....but careful not to leave anything on the merchandise 

Slim

[Henry4440]

It looks to me, that they made short rimfire cartridges in cal.50, cal.52 and cal.54 in 1854.