Original Item: Only One available. This is a definitely a rare old Wild West Revolver to find! Here we have a very nice Blued example of a Smith & Wesson Russian Third Model No. 3 revolver in .44 Russian, identical to the Russian Contract models, except for the markings. The S&W Model No. 3 was introduced in 1869 as the U.S. Army's principal sidearm, which they used until 1873.

This fine example features the standard 6 1/2" barrel and has a cylinder capacity of 6 shots, functioning in single-action only. It also has a very nice set of aged wood grips, and overall has a fantastic "Frontier Worn" look. This example does not have the "spur" trigger guard, which seems to have been reserved for exported examples. The top of the barrel bears all the S. & W. patent dates up to 1873:

After this it is marked with a definitive marking for identification: REISSUE JULY 25.1871, a marking only seen on one of the 9,000 Russian Models (both Second and Third models) produced. The serial number 39487 is stamped on the flat on the bottom of the grip, along with SH in a Diamond. This indicates that this revolver was purchased and subsequently marked by Schuyler Hartley & Graham for retail, which is somewhat rare. The majority of the "Reissue" Russian production was consumed by foreign martial contracts, particularly to Imperial Japan and Turkey, with a much smaller number entering the commercial market.

The inside of the right grip scale is also marked 8581, indicating that it is a non-matching replacement. The frame under the grips, back of the cylinder, and the top latch are all marked with assembly number 436. We cannot see the number on the barrel extension top strap anymore due to oxidation, but we assume it is matching.

This is a Top-break revolver making loading extremely easy and frankly a much better system than the side loading Colts and Mervin & Hulbert revolvers. This was the same model revolver that the famous Lawman Wyatt Earp used in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26th 1881.

The revolver functions, however it is quite worn and finicky, so it has trouble indexing on most chambers, overshooting them by about 10 degrees. The cylinder lock is worn, so it does not lock up securely at all, even at full cock. The revolver breaks open correctly with ejection, with the ejector retracting correctly when the revolver is fully opened. The breech lock functions correctly, requiring that the hammer be in the loading position to open and close. The bore shows rifling, but it is definitely worn, and there is also powder burn oxidation inside the bore. This is a revolver that saw extensive use over the years.

A very nice well used example, completely honest with a fantastic patina. Ready for display!

Specifications:-

Years of Manufacture: c.1874
Caliber: .44 Russian
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 6 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

History of the Smith & Wesson Model No. 3

The Smith & Wesson Model 3 was a single-action, cartridge-firing, top-break revolver produced by Smith & Wesson from circa 1870 to 1915.

It was produced in several variations and sub-variations, including both the "Russian Model", so named because it was supplied to the military of the Russian Empire (41,000 No. 3's were ordered in .44 caliber by the Imperial Russian Army in 1871), and the "Schofield" model, named after Major George W. Schofield, who made his own modifications to the Model 3 to meet his perceptions of the Cavalry's needs. Smith & Wesson incorporated these modifications into an 1875 design they named after the Major, planning to obtain significant military contracts for the new revolver.

The S&W Model 3 was originally chambered for the .44 S&W American and .44 Russian cartridges, and typically did not have the cartridge information stamped on the gun (as is standard practice for most commercial firearms). Model 3 revolvers were later produced in an assortment of calibers, including .44 Henry Rimfire, .44-40, .32-44, .38-44, and .45 Schofield. The design would influence the smaller S&W .38 Single Action that is retroactively referred to as the Model 2.