IDing a S&W No3 model 2

[John William McCandles]

I'm looking at a original S&W No.3 three over the internet and was wondering if there was any way to tell the caliber other than slugging the bore?
It is a Model 2 with the long ejector housing. The seller is not sure if it is an .44 American or a .44 S&W (Russian). I'm trying to have him slug the barrel and measure the cylinder.
I can tell that it is not a Russian model as it does not have the hump on the grip or the trigger guard spur.

Thanks
JW

[PJ Hardtack]

There were "Russian" #'3's that didn't have the grip hump and guard spur.

As for chambering, unless the cylinder is bored straight through, a .44 Spl. case should be too long. Use a rod to measure the depth of the chamber up to the visible shoulder.

[John William McCandles]

Looking at a picture down the cylinder chambers there appears to not be a shoulder. So I am assuming this may be a .44 American chambering?

JW

[Pettifogger]

I had a .44 American.  If you want to shoot it, skip it.  The dies are VERY expensive.  There is no brass.  You have to form brass from .41 Magnum and find the proper heeled bullets.  Again, if you intend to shoot the thing, look for a .44 Russian.  That was the most popular caliber in the big Smiths, brass is made for it and you use regular inside lubed .44 bullets.

[John William McCandles]

I had a .44 American.  If you want to shoot it, skip it.  The dies are VERY expensive.  There is no brass.  You have to form brass from .41 Magnum and find the proper heeled bullets.  Again, if you intend to shoot the thing, look for a .44 Russian.  That was the most popular caliber in the big Smiths, brass is made for it and you use regular inside lubed .44 bullets.

I'm thinking it most likely is a .44 American and I plan on passing on it.

Thanks
JW

[Earl Brasse]

You might want to check the chambers.

I have an "American" that someone drilled out to Russian. (wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, or sharpest drill bit)



Pettifogger is right, trying to make ammo for an "American" is not cheap or fun.

[John William McCandles]

I heard back from the seller and a .44 Russian won't chamber, so I guess it's .44 American or

JW