Model 3 Identification

[trapdoor]

I have done more inquiries about the S&W breaktop revolver I bought, it appears that it is a   model 3,
  2nd American       44 Russsian cartrige

The condition is excellent Blueing very good.  I still dont have the exact year of manufacture. Serial is 1886x. Can anyone tell me the year?

[John Henry]

Trapdoor,
     The date can be narrowed down to the year by the serial number by someone who has the mfg. data, a letter from Roy Jenks, S & W historian, can give the ship date to the dealer. Probably a 44 Russian cal.  If it specs out good and is shootable (black powder only), I wouldn't mess with it as far as refinish as it tends to diminish the collectabilty, David Chicoine has a great book out on S & W repairs, dissassembly, etc. you can fine him online on a google search....Congrats......John Henry

[Texas Lawdog]

I have recently purchased an older model S&W break open revolver in 38 S&W cal. It was manufactured around 1900.  It looks somewhat like an Iver Johnson. I don't know anything about the gun. It appears to be tight. I took it to a gunsmith to be checked out. I would like to shoot it but only if I can find some black powder cartridges for it.  I paid $160. for it, I don't if I got a good deal or not.  I have always wanted an old S&W revolver for my collection.  I carried a S&W Model 66 in the early 70's as a Police Officer. When I get it back from the gunsmith, I will check the last patent date on it to get an approximate date of manufacture. I would appreciate any info on these revolvers. It is nickel plated and most of the nickel is still okay.

[Texas Lawdog]

Does the ownership of this old S&W qualify me for membership in BOSS?

[St. George]

To learn a bit more on the Model 3 and on the small-framed break-top - send me a PM with the serial number, and I'll see what I can do, since that information's available, and not everything needs to go through the factory.

As far as what was spent on that little S&W - it depends entirely on condition and location of purchase, since some places seem to be higher-priced than others.

Since all you have to 'do' to check out the piece is to see how it locks up when in battery - beware of being over-charged by someone who has no clear idea of what he's supposed to do beyond that.

As to shooting it - modern-made factory smokeless has a low enough pressure for safety's sake - Smith & Wesson didn't 'harden' their frames until after 1914 - and ammunition manufacturers know this.

Now - as far as a membership in BOSS is concerned - you'll have to ask Joss House, since it was my understanding that it was for full-sized break-tops.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[St. George]

Between 1872 - 1874, the Second Model American serial number range runs between 8000 and 32800, with a production total of 20,735.

Given your description - yours 'may' be refinished - so look under the left grip for a 'star' as a mark of a factory job.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[trapdoor]

St George

Thanks for the Info, much appreceated.