Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 3rd Model .44 S&W 6 1/2″ Revolver Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,111.00
LSB#: LSB260629EB066
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 3 Russian, Third Model
Serial Number: 47070
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1874–1878 / Antique
Caliber: .44 S&W Russian
Action Type: Single Action, 6-Shot, Top-Break Revolver
Barrel Length: 6 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-moon blade pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a V-notch integral to the top-break latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber panels. The checkering shows smoothing from age and use. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is erosion and wear consistent with the age and use of the revolver. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 5% of its original blued finish. The balance has gone to patina with pitting throughout. There is additional operational and handling wear consistent with the revolver’s age. The screw heads show use. Overall, this revolver rates in Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm.
As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson’s Model 3 Russian represents one of the most recognizable developments of the company’s large-frame top-break revolver. Developed from the earlier Model 3 design to meet Russian military requirements, the Russian-pattern revolvers incorporated several changes intended to improve handling and control with the .44 S&W Russian cartridge. The Third Model appeared during the 1870s and is readily associated with the pronounced frame profile and distinctive Russian-pattern configuration. Commercial Third Model revolvers were also produced alongside the large foreign military contracts, with serial number 47070 falling within the recognized commercial Third Model range.
This antique example has clearly seen considerable use, with nearly all of its original blue having aged to patina and pitting present throughout. Even so, the hard-rubber grips remain intact, the bore retains well-defined rifling, and most importantly, the action still functions correctly. Model 3 Russians are an important part of Smith & Wesson’s early large-frame revolver history, and this well-used survivor should appeal to collectors looking for an honest antique example of the famous Russian-pattern Model 3. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!-C.M.