Smith & Wesson S&W 3rd Model Russian .44 6.5″ Nickel Revolver Antique

SOLD FOR: $1600

LSB#: 210218WW29

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 3rd Model Russian (New Model Russian or Model No. 3 Russian, 3rd Model)

Serial Number: 49325

Year of Manufacture: 1874-1878

Caliber: .44 S&W Russian

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Top Break Barrel

Markings: The bottom of the grip is marked “1874 / 49325 / P”. The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT JULY 10.60.JAN. 17.FEB.17.JULY 11.65 & AUG.24.69 RUSSIAN MODEL”. The rear face of the cylinder, bottom of the barrel latch, and rear of the topstrap are marked with “12”.  The interior of the right grip panel is marked “49325″.

Barrel Length: The barrel has a full-length top rib and is 6 ½” in length.

Sights / Optics: The front sight a thin half-round blade pinned to the rib. The rear sight is a “U” in a rise in the barrel latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips smooth hardwood on a round-butt grip frame. There are some light compressions and draglines from use and storage but there are no chips or cracks. The grips are in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dull and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered erosin and pitting, heaviest towards the muzzle.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. There is scattered finish loss that has oxidized. There is heavy oxidation on the sides of the grip frame. There are spots of erosion, most noticeable at the muzzle. There are draglines and patches of cloudy finish. There are some little nicks and dings. There is a patina on the trigger guard. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are mainly clear, though those at the end of the barrel adress are light and some on the grip are a bit hard to distinguish due to wear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action works correctly. The cylinder lockup produces some side to side play. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: When Smith & Wesson began making centerfire top break revolvers in 1870, they named the large framed .44 Model “No. 3”. This was followed by the .38 Model No. 2 in 1876 and the .32 Model No. 1 ½ 1878, based on frame sizes, not date of manufacture. All were made first in single action, and later double action models were added. The single action versions of the Model 3 were made in four distinct groups: Americans, Russians, Schofields and New Models. The Russian models are distinguished by having a round butt grip frame with extreme knuckle, a barrel latch mounted on the top strap vs. on the frame, and were in .44 caliber with 6 ½ or 7” barrels. This is a S&W No. 3 Russian 3rd Model, with a 6 ½”  barrel chambered in .44 S&W Russian. The S&W top break revolvers were made in so many models, sub-models and variants, it is almost impossible for a collector to acquire one of each, making all of the models collectable. S&W top break collectors not already having one of these revolvers in their collection will want to bid on this one, even if it is to be only a place holder until they can find a better one, an opportunity that may not come along for years. Please see our photos and good luck!