Smith & Wesson Model No. 3 .44 Russian 2nd Model Target Revolver Antique

More Sold Revolvers

SOLD FOR: $3,075.00

LSB#: LSB260122VF013

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Model No. 3 Russian 2nd Model

Serial Number: 11552

Year of Manufacture: 1872-1874 / Antique

Caliber: .44 Russian

Action Type: Single action, top break revolver

Markings: The Smith & Wesson barrel address is the S&W Cyrillic Marking. It reads: “????? ? ??????? ????????? ??????? ? ???????????? ???????” There is a faint Russian Eagle proof mark on the top of the barrel behind the address and a Russian “KO” Inspectors stamp. The serial number “11552” is stamped on the butt of the grip frame, the rear face of the cylinder and underneath the barrel latch. The inside of the left grip panel is hand-marked “5823”(non-matching.)

Barrel Length: 7″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Target sight blade pinned to the barrel rib . The rear sight is a U notch built into the barrel latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece ivory grips that have yellowed with age. There are age cracks in the bottom of each grip and around the screw escutcheons on the right panel but these do not affect the integrity of the grips. There is a lanyard loop screwed into the bottom of the grip frame.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case hardened hammer & trigger

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is a minor amount of erosion towards the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains 95% of its metal refinish. The cylinder has a crisp turn line and some dings in the finish. There is very slight loss of finish at the muzzle. There are slight scratches and handling marks on the barrel and frame. This revolver has been polished for refinishing. Overall, this handgun is in a Fine to Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup and timing are good. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model No. 3 Russian 2nd Model is among the most historically significant large-frame revolvers of the 19th century, but true Target-configured examples such as this are notably scarce. While the standard Russian contract revolvers were produced in meaningful quantities for military use, factory Target variants—equipped with a pinned blade front sight and precision rear sight in the barrel latch—were manufactured in comparatively small numbers and were intended for accuracy-focused shooters rather than military issue. Surviving examples are far less common than their service counterparts, and the presence of the Cyrillic barrel address, Russian Eagle proof, and inspector’s markings firmly tie this revolver to its Imperial Russian heritage. The Model No. 3 Russian series also cemented the reputation of the .44 Russian cartridge, widely regarded at the time as one of the most accurate revolver cartridges in the world and a direct predecessor to later .44-caliber developments.

This revolver, manufactured between 1872 and 1874 and qualifying as an Antique, retains 95% of its metal refinish, showing evidence of polishing prior to refinishing. The cylinder exhibits a crisp turn line with minor dings, and there is slight finish loss at the muzzle along with light scratches and handling marks on the barrel and frame. The two-piece ivory grips have attractively yellowed with age and display age cracks at the bottoms and around the right screw escutcheon, though they remain structurally sound. A lanyard loop is installed at the butt. Matching serial numbers are present on the grip frame, cylinder, and barrel latch, and the interior of the left grip panel is hand-marked “5823,” (non-matching) adding further character to this early production revolver.

The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only minor erosion near the muzzle, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly with good timing and lockup. We did not fire this handgun. As with all antique firearms, careful inspection and appropriate maintenance are recommended prior to firing. With its scarce Target configuration, Russian military markings, and strong mechanical condition, this Model No. 3 Russian 2nd Model represents a highly desirable and increasingly hard-to-find variant of Smith & Wesson’s iconic top-break revolver line. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!