Smith & Wesson Model 2

The Smith & Wesson Model 2, also called the Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action, was a .38 caliber revolver made in both single and double action versions by Smith & Wesson. It was the company's first revolver in that caliber, with a five-shot cylinder chambered for the .38 S&W cartridge. The single-action version was produced in three varieties from 1876 through 1911, with total production above 223,000 guns, while the double-action version appeared in three variants from 1880 to 1913 and sold somewhat under one million guns. The Model 2 fired a black powder cartridge and was a top-break design, with the barrel release catch on top of the frame just in front of the hammer. It was a larger-caliber version of the third model of the Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2.