POTD: S&W’s “Buntline Special” – The Rarest Horse in Their Stable
Sam.S 04.01.25
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This nickel-plated Smith & Wesson Model 320 revolving rifle is what happens when a revolver manufacturer tries to compete with Winchester and Marlin. Between 1879 and 1887, S&W only made 977 of these oddball long guns, with just 85-90 getting the flashy nickel finish seen here. What makes the Model 320 interesting is how S&W basically took their New Model No. 3 revolver, stretched the barrel to 18 inches, added some attachment points for a shoulder stock, and called it a rifle. The setup earned the nickname “Buntline Special” since it resembled the mythical long-barreled revolvers supposedly ordered by dime novelist Ned Buntline. This particular example stands out even among the already rare Model 320s. It’s the only known specimen fitted with a period scope – a 23¾ inch nickel-plated tube with characteristics suggesting Malcolm influence or manufacture. The rifle also features a globe front sight with crosshair aperture, mottled red hard rubber forearm, and a matching detachable shoulder stock with checkered buttplate. The factory letter confirms this rifle shipped to J.P. Lovell & Son in Boston on March 3, 1895. While the letter doesn’t specify the finish, experts have confirmed the nickel plating is factory original – making this one of fewer than 90 nickel examples ever produced. Revolving rifles were never particularly successful during this period. The gas leakage between cylinder and barrel made them unpleasant to shoot, and they couldn’t compete with the practicality of lever actions.
“Nickel Plated S&W Model 320 Revolving Rifle with Shoulder Stock.” Rock Island Auction Company, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4094/128/nickel-plated-sw-model-320-revolving-rifle-with-shoulder-stock. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
