Make: Smith & Wesson Performance Center
Model: Schofield Model of 2000
Serial Number: GWS0169
Year of Manufacture: 2000-2003 / Modern
Caliber: .45 S&W aka .45 Schofield
Action Type: Single Action, Top-Break Revolver with Automatic Extraction, Six Shot
Barrel Length: 7"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-moon blade pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a notch integral to the barrel latch assembly.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece smooth ivory. The grips exhibit minimal handling marks, and no chips or cracks are present. Overall, the grips rate in about Excellent condition. This revolver also comes with a pair of its original smooth walnut grips.
Type of Finish: Blued, with Case-Colored Hammer, Latch, Assembly and Trigger Guard
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is no fouling or erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 99% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. The case colors are vivid and attractive. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp and unmarred. Pins are clean, and markings are crisp and clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up tightly, and the extraction mechanism operates smoothly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with its wooden Performance Center presentation case and key and a John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity. The model designation in the letter has a script error which refers to this as a Model 2.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Schofield occupies a distinctive place in American revolver history. Major George W. Schofield modified Smith & Wesson's large-frame top-break design to make it faster and easier for mounted troops to operate, leading to U.S. Army adoption and the purchase of approximately 8,000 revolvers. The design also gave rise to the shorter .45 S&W cartridge, now commonly called .45 Schofield. In 2000, Smith & Wesson's Performance Center revived the design as the Schofield Model of 2000, incorporating modern internal improvements while retaining the classic single-action, top-break form. Production totaled just over 3,000 revolvers across several variations; the standard GWS-prefix series comprised 2,599 blued 7" revolvers, with the prefix honoring George W. Schofield. Serial GWS0169 places this example very early in that principal production series.
This revolver is an exceptionally well-preserved example, retaining approximately 99% of its original blue and case-colored finish with vivid case colors, crisp markings, sharp screws, and only a thin cylinder turn line. Both sets of grips remain in Excellent condition, while the bright 7" bore has sharp rifling with no fouling or erosion and rates 10/10. The action functions correctly, the cylinder locks tightly, and the automatic extraction system operates smoothly. Its Performance Center wooden presentation case further complements an already desirable package. With its early GWS serial, classic 7" military-style configuration, outstanding condition, and genuine Smith & Wesson Performance Center manufacture, this is a particularly attractive modern continuation of one of the great American cavalry revolvers.
