A S&W model no. 3 Russian with issues

[Rabbit]

Good morning forum,
I have put some money down on a original S&W no. 3 Russian revolver at a local gun store, it is what I would call a beater. It has been refinished to the point that there is no lettering visible across the top of the barrel and it has a few dinks and scratches. I am interested in it because the bore is good and it is solid, I plan on shooting it with black powder loads. A beater, but an original.
This revolver has two issues that I would like the forums take on. The first is the half cock. When you engage the half cock, any slight pressure on the hammer will cause the hammer to fall.
The second issue is the cylinder lock up is loose, not bad but not tight. I believe, based on my experience with cap and ball revolvers, the cylinder lock on this revolver is not going to be any real problem, but I am interested in finding out what it would take to make it right.
Thanks in advance for your advice. I understood when I put my money down on this revolver it was not collectable, but it is original and I would be proud to own it.
Rabbit

[Blair]

Rabbit,

Glad you reposted here.
There are some very knowledgeable people here that should be able to help offer some guidance to you.
One side note here is that parts for repairs are very hard to come by for these revolvers.
My best,
Blair

[Rabbit]

Blair, would it be possible to TIG weld the hammer and cut a new safety slot? I know these guns were not made of modern steel, but can the original hammer be repaired?
Thanks,
Rabbit

[Blair]

Rabbit,

If you can find the replacement parts?

TIG welding is possible. And would be my suggested way of restoring many internal parts.
One problem is how much damage has been done to other parts and pieces?
A complete inspection of the firearm is most important. I wish I could offer you some directions on how you should do this... but I can't.
Even good photos wont offer much help. Sorry!!!!
My best,
Blair

[St. George]

Get a copy (if only just to read over) of Dave Chicoine's book - 'Gunsmithing the Guns of the Old West'.

I believe he touches on this very thing, but I'm currently away from my library, and won't be home for awhile.

Scouts Out!

[Rabbit]

St. George, I have that book! If you find that section, please let me know!
Rabbit

[St. George]

The salient part of my recommendation lies in the part where I mention that I won't be home for awhile...

You're on your own, unless you can find someone else to look through a reference book you already own.

Scouts Out!

[Rabbit]

Thanks, I think....

[Colt Fanning]

Howdy,
Hold the gun by the grip in one hand and with the other push the end of the barrel up and down.  If the cylinder moves up and down then the lock is not pulling the topstrap back far enough to take up the slack.  This problem can be fixed by soldering a shim on the posts of the frame that engage the latch.  A package of shim stock in various thickness can be obtained from Brownells.  These guns are very sensitive to this problem because fixing this sloppiness will cause the bolt to go further into the notches and cause the hand to be in the right position relative to the ratchet.  To fix the half cock first see if enough metal remains on the hammer to recut the notch with a small saw or a file.  If not order a reproduction hammer and see if it can be fitted to your gun.
If not then cut a slot where the half cock notch is with a hacksaw of milling cutter and solder in a piece of tool steel.  Then recut the notch.  Drill rod is probable best but a piece of a grade 8 bolt will probably suffice.
regards
Colt

[Rabbit]

Thank you Colt Fanning! Just what I was hoping for when I made my post.
Rabbit

[Blair]

Rabbit,

Which of the #3 S&W Russian model are you looking at?
My best,
Blair

[Colt Fanning]

Howdy,
One further thought.  Make sure that the hand spring is working and strong enough to rotate the cylinder.  A weak or broken hand spring is difficult to fix in this gun.
Regards
Colt

[Pettifogger]

Howdy,
One further thought.  Make sure that the hand spring is working and strong enough to rotate the cylinder.  A weak or broken hand spring is difficult to fix in this gun.
Regards
Colt

Permanent fix for a shooter.