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Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st Model Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:2,800.00 - 3,600.00 USD
Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st Model Revolver
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Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian First Model Single Action Revolver sometimes called the “Old Old Model Russian” by S&W collectors. This model is nearly identical to the earlier “American Model” with the main difference being it is chambered for a new round featuring a lubricated bullet seated inside the cartridge case that was designed by the Russians for their contracted revolvers in 1871- called the .44 Russian cartridge. This round became a standard chambering for all big bore Smith & Wesson revolvers until the smokeless powder loaded .44 Special was introduced in 1907. The .44 Russian cartridge was known for power and accuracy and was used to win many national and international shooting competitions. The First Model Russian revolver was made primarily for the Russian military with 20,014 being delivered to that country. These contract arms have markings using Russian Cyrillic letters. This scarce model was only produced between 1871 and 1874. Those made for the U.S. civilian market have English markings and only 4,665 were manufactured as Smith & Wesson held the patent for “bored-through” cylinders intended for the new type modern cartridges still in use today, these arms were eagerly sought after on the American Frontier. Most of this model saw extremely long and hard service with surviving examples rare today. Those that do occasionally show up on the collector market often display broken parts, cut-down barrels and heavily worn/pitted metal. This example with serial number 15479 shows a nice even aged-gray patina on the metal surfaces with minimal evidence of rust. The top of the barrel is clearly and correctly marked “Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A. Pat. July 10, 60, Jan. 17, Feb. 17, July 11 65 & Aug. 24, 69 Russian Model” Checkered walnut grips show wear commiserate with the rest of the revolver and do not appear chipped or cracked. The butt has a typical lanyard swivel hole filler screw- military revolvers were usually fitted with lanyard swivels while civilian guns had filler plugs. This revolver has the standard 8” barrel with matching assembly numbers on the cylinder and barrel latch. The action and automatic shell ejector function correctly although the cylinder stop spring only is weak. The bore shows good rifling throughout. This is an extremely scarce and important frontier Smith & Wesson revolver of which survival rate is very small, especially in unaltered condition. It is interesting to note that the notorious western outlaw John Wesley Hardin carried this model and in 1874 killed a Texas lawman with it- in the aftermath he narrowly escaped a lynch mob! Many advanced S&W collections lack an example in any condition of this rare and desirable model. This revolver is a prize for any S&W or Old West collector. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Matt