From 1879 to 1887, Smith & Wesson manufactured fewer than a thousand Model 320 revolving rifles, but the 20-inch barrel on this gun would have given any similar Colt Buntline revolver a run for its money. Smith & Wesson created this variation from the New Model No. 3 frame, including a two-piece, non-separable barrel with a fore end and grip panels composed of mottled hard rubber.
This rare revolver, on loan from collector Peter Dowd, features a detachable shoulder stock crafted from Circassian walnut with provision for a screw-in tang sight.
NRA’s two museums, the National Firearms Museum at nra hq in Fairfax, Va., and the National Sporting Arms Museum at Bass Pro in Springfield, Mo., together are the nation’s premier gun museums, displaying thousands of historical treasures. Both are open daily at no charge (donations gratefully accepted) and promise visitors most memorable experiences. For more information, call (703) 267-1600, e-mail [email protected] or check out the website at www.nramusuem.com.
