1356

Early Production Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Early Production Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver
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Estimate: $1500 - 2750
The S&W New Model No. 3 revolver was specifically made for target shooting in the late 1880-1910 period and were intended to specifically compete with the Colt SAA target and flat top target revolvers. These revolvers were based on the No. 3 Schofield revolver, only chambered in a target type cartridge, specifically the 38-44, as in this case. Both the handling and mechanical design made this S&W revolver very popular during this time frame, however it was produced on a very limited basis with only 1,023 total produced. This revolver has the early style short, six fluted cylinder with auto ejectors, that measures 1 7/16 inches long. The top barrel rib, has the standard two line Smith & Wesson company address and patent dates. The revolver has been fitted with a small raised target type front sight that has small bead on top with a small ivory bead tip on the end, along with the standard notch rear sight position on the front end of the barrel latch. It is fitted with a set of gutta-percha grips with a color casehardened hammer and barrel latch.
BBL: 6 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 38-44
Finish: blue
Grips: Gutta Percha
Serial Number: 1306
Condition: Very good with 80% of the original blue finish overall with loss of blue finish on the back straps, the trigger guard with spotting and thinning of the blue finish on the sides of the cylinder, and side plate with very minor flaking of the blue on the sides of the barrel. The hammer and barrel latch retain 70% of their case colored finish. The grips are also in very good condition with only minor wear across the checkering and markings on both sides with the right side showing a minor crack on the lower right side that shows an old repair. The revolver is complete, however may need a good cleaning as the ejector rod sticks slightly. A very nice example of an original No. 3 New Model Target revolver.