Need help ID'ing this .22

[PI Rob]

I recently inherited this .22lr and was wondering if anyone could give me some info on it. It's has the word "Germany" and a 6 digit serial number beginning with 166 on the underside of the barrel. On the left side of the barrel is Cal .22 LR. There are 3 watermarks? on the left side of the frame beneath the cylinder. They're so small I cant tell what they are. The grips are plastic with a buffalo on each side. On the bottom of the grip frame is HS Modell (spelled with 2 L's) 21. I can't get my camera to take close enough pics of the watermarks and lettering. Anyone know what this is and approx value?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Ron James]

Made by Herbert Schmidt, Osthelm , West Germany ( now ,just Germany}. During the 1950's and 60's the Model 21/Bison/Buffalo Scout was imported by over 30 different importers and under just as many names. Imported as a cheaper alternative to the Ruger Single Six or the Colt Frontier. A decent little gun for the price; but not built to the standards of the Ruger. Value if in excellent condition 125 to 135. Hope that helps. BTW, this gun has not been produce for over 40 years and Schmidt no longer makes Handguns ( to my knowledge ), parts are getting scarce to non existing.

 

[PI Rob]

Thanks Ron! I appreciate the info.

 

[Virginian]

I have one, too. Bought it new at the Western Auto in Blacksburg, Virginia in October of 1966, for $27.50. When new, it remains to this day the most accurate .22 revolver I have ever owned, and prompted the owner of a Smith to buy one. The trigger broke in about 1970, resulting in a hole in the dashboard of a 1968 Mustang. I had it on half cock and was turning the cylinder to check the ammo situation when it let go at exactly the wrong time. Gunsmith made a new trigger for it, and it has had a "hair" trigger ever since. It was my car gun for 25 years, and my back pocket gun for many more. The finish was ruined when a car it was in leaked and I didn't know it.

 

[rcmodel]

I gunsmithed a lot of them back when they were being imported.

A friend who ran a pawn & gun shop ordered them by the butt load.

About 10%-20% of them needed fixing before he could sell them brand new.

rc

 

[PI Rob]

Thanks for the stories guys. I have no idea where my dad picked it up. I remember shooting it as a little kid and then well into my 20's before it caught the "let's guard the top shelf of the closet duty" at my dad's house after a .22 rifle was brought home. It's taken it's fair share of critters, snakes, and even a perch or two at the lake It was always accurate, never had any problems, and the finsih is still pretty good. It's such a fun little gun.