The Smith & Wesson Model 1 First Issue was the first commercially successful metallic cartridge revolver, chambered in .22 Short — the first metallic rimfire cartridge. It represented a revolutionary departure from cap-and-ball percussion revolvers. Civil War soldiers purchased them privately for backup use. Only about 11,671 were made before the Second Issue replaced it. The Model 1 First Issue is one of the most important artifacts in American firearms history. Type: Revolver Action: Single-Action Caliber: 22 Short Capacity: 7 Year introduced: 1857, USA Weight: 0.75 oz Overall length: 7" Status: Discontinued Intended use: collector, historical