Smith & Wesson Model 30 Complete Specs and Full Gun Specifications

he Model 30 was built on the small I frame and based on the Hand Ejector Model of 1903. In 1960, the I frame size was dropped and the J frame became standard for the Model 30. Model 30 revolvers built on the J frame have -1 stamped behind the model number. Massachusetts natives Horace Smith and Daniel Baird Wesson, famous for their revolver designs, are also known for having developed the first practical American-made self-contained metallic cartridge, the .22 rimfire short. Both men were experienced in the design and manufacture of firearms, and in 1852, they formed a partnership for the purpose of manufacturing magazine-type arms. Their Norwich, Connecticut factory produced the iron-frame lever-action Volcanic pistol, patented in 1854 (see case 42 gun #1), which was a direct predecessor to the Henry and Winchester lever-action rifles that became famous during the Civil War and post-war periods.