Cimarron's new American model!

[Cliff Fendley]

I still can't decide what caliber to get

[Blair]

Cliff,

The .44 S&W "American" cartridge is not listed. So, this variation should not be called a S&W "American" revolver!
.44 Russian is the most correct cartridge caliber for this variation. .44 Special would be next, but then you could shot Russian or .44 Special ammo in it.
This suggestion on my part is only if you wish to maintain any form of Historical Authenticity
My best,
Blair

[Jake C]

Cliff,

The .44 S&W "American" cartridge is not listed. So, this variation should not be called a S&W "American" revolver!
.44 Russian is the most correct cartridge caliber for this variation. .44 Special would be next, but then you could shot Russian or .44 Special ammo in it.
This suggestion on my part is only if you wish to maintain any form of Historical Authenticity
My best,
Blair

If I got it (not likely after the recent home repairs), I'd follow Blair's advice and go the .44 Special route. Shoot either .44 Russian or modern .44 Colt out of it. It's a fun caliber, and the .44 Russian is the closest to authentic that you can get. Just my 2 cents.

[willy]

Willy, the ad for the Cimarron American is on their home page.  There are about ten banners that rotate across the top of the page, the American is one of those.  You can click on the  >  button on the right to get to it quicker.
[/quote]


I was wanting to know at least a date as to when ....give or take a few months,,,,,And maybe some prices..

[Cliff Fendley]

Cliff,

The .44 S&W "American" cartridge is not listed. So, this variation should not be called a S&W "American" revolver!
.44 Russian is the most correct cartridge caliber for this variation. .44 Special would be next, but then you could shot Russian or .44 Special ammo in it.
This suggestion on my part is only if you wish to maintain any form of Historical Authenticity
My best,
Blair

I was sort of thinking 44 special for the reasons you mention but also wondered about the 44-40, was the model 3 not available in 44-40 at one time or was that a different variation of it? I'm sure I've seen original chambered in 44-40

[Galloway]

The 1878 new model no. 3 was chambered for 44wcf but not the American.

[Coal Creek Griff]

I believe that the #3 was originally in 44 Henry, then 44/100 (44 American), then 44 Russian.

CC Griff

[nativeshootist]

Cliff,

The .44 S&W "American" cartridge is not listed. So, this variation should not be called a S&W "American" revolver!
.44 Russian is the most correct cartridge caliber for this variation. .44 Special would be next, but then you could shot Russian or .44 Special ammo in it.
This suggestion on my part is only if you wish to maintain any form of Historical Authenticity
My best,
Blair

For one, that's like saying we cant call the 1860/1866 series of rifles and the open top revolvers by their names because they ain't chambered in .44 henry. #2, .44 american is a dead round. And 3rd not every little detail should not really count as no one will mass manufacture. 44 american and the pistol is based off of an actual S&W model 3 American. Rants done, sorry about that.

[Blair]

Cliff,

Your are correct. But not until the introduction of the "New Model" #3 which was in 1877, and then it will be a few years after that (about 1880) that S&W introduces the long cylinder variation which allows for chambering the longer 44-40 and 38-40.
I would suggest caution with the 44 Colt. The small rim dia. may cause issues with case extraction.
I hope this helps.
My best,
Blair

[Cliff Fendley]

Cliff,

Your are correct. But not until the introduction of the "New Model" #3 which was in 1877, and then it will be a few years after that (about 1880) that S&W introduces the long cylinder variation which allows for chambering the longer 44-40 and 38-40.
I would suggest caution with the 44 Colt. The small rim dia. may cause issues with case extraction.
I hope this helps.
My best,
Blair

What other differences are there besides the longer cylinder? Sorry I'm just not that familiar with the S&W models. Should this Cimarron not have been the new model since it obviously has a longer cylinder or are there other obvious differences?

[Blair]

Cliff,

I would suggest getting the book, "Smith & Wesson,1857-1945" by Neal & Jinks.
This would be the simplest suggestion I could make for a subject that can be very complex. Just within the large frame #3 revolvers there are 4 major design types known as "Models" of the #3's. And each of these major models may have several improvements made to them during their production life. These improvements may also be call "Models" (with a number) by S&W at that time.
An example of this is the first model #3 American and Russian. With some internal improvements these become known as the Second Model of the first model #3 American or Russian Model.
Nomenclature starts to get really confusing with the introduction of the #3 Model 2, and the later #3 Model 3. I guess S&W was also getting confused as well because the forth variation was simply called the "New Model #3"
Again, I hope this helps.
My best,
Blair   

[Blair]

In my opinion, the most obvious visual differences in the various major models of #3 S&W is in the length of the extractor rod housings beneath the barrel group. The older models have very long housings compared to the newer ones such as the "New Model #3's", which are almost nonexistent. Improvements in extractor design of the extractor, helps to lighten this barrel group.
Next would be in the shape of the grip portion of the frame group. These variations are something that I believe most people notice first. Grip shape comes about due to the large numbers of revolvers being orders from the Russian Gov.
Many other less obvious changes exist. The book on S&W, 1857-1945 will help point these changes out and offer explanations as to why they were used.
My best,
Blair

[Coffinmaker]

Picky .... Picky .... PICKY!!  Why is it??  What you might ask.  Well, it seems a lot of folks spend an inordinate amount of time championing their respective wish list of "wants" for reproductions of obsolete guns.  A manufacturer such as Uberti takes the challenge and brings out a Smithy and Wesson (Oil??) Schofield and suddenly all those whom whined start to pick it apart.

Here we are, new S&W #3, what happens??  Pick it apart.  Find every flaw from the Original.  Way back, when the reproduction of the Schofield appeared the glitterati screamed because it wasn't available in 45 Colt.  What??  The original was never chambered in .45 Colt but now we had to have a 45 Colt and guess what, we got it and it won't run with BP unless carefully massaged (If then).  Be careful what you ask for.

So instead of finding every little flaw in the new offering, get out there and BUY ONE so Uberti will continue to make them.  I personally want a pair to go with my 1866 .44 Russian Trapper.  Of course, Mine will be set up for 44 Russian.

[Major 2]

Word ! 

[Cliff Fendley]

Thanks for the info

[nativeshootist]

.44 russian or special  is what I'm thinking if or when I ever get one,  I like the american repro. All the other model 3 repros were out by time I get into these replicas, so having a new one come out is exciting to me.

[Coffinmaker]

Now I have a question.  A quandary if you will.  Recently, I read a short thread about shooting BP thru a .45 Colt Uberti Schofield.  I believe we all know, it don't work.  Maybe.

Because Uberti removed most all of the Schofield Gas Ring when they extended the cylinder to accommodate 45 Colt, the gun now fouls terribly.  Even Mine (I had one).  But the short thread I ran into, related using Cowboy 45 Special cases, 150Gr EPP UG bullets and Pearl Lube.  The author related being able to shoot his Schofield in .45 Colt with no more hassle than any other suppository shooter.  I no longer have a Schofield with which to investigate.  Also, the EPP UG 45 carries a boat load of any lube.

I do have a LARGE "WHY" but no empirical data.  I "think" his success may have been because the initial blast of gun gas exiting the cartridge was well behind  the cylinder face and more "shaped" for entry into the barrel breach.  Da guy said it works.  That would indicate to me, the same may well also be true for a .44 Special Uberti with the "new build" long cylinder.  Switching to 44 Russian cases could well make the Uberti Schofield more civilized rather than running that heathen fad stuff.

Need someone with the appropriate hardware to try and then report back.  Oh, forgot.  What's "Pearl Lube?"

[Will Ketchum]

Picky .... Picky .... PICKY!!  Why is it??  What you might ask.  Well, it seems a lot of folks spend an inordinate amount of time championing their respective wish list of "wants" for reproductions of obsolete guns.  A manufacturer such as Uberti takes the challenge and brings out a Smithy and Wesson (Oil??) Schofield and suddenly all those whom whined start to pick it apart.

Here we are, new S&W #3, what happens??  Pick it apart.  Find every flaw from the Original.  Way back, when the reproduction of the Schofield appeared the glitterati screamed because it wasn't available in 45 Colt.  What??  The original was never chambered in .45 Colt but now we had to have a 45 Colt and guess what, we got it and it won't run with BP unless carefully massaged (If then).  Be careful what you ask for.

So instead of finding every little flaw in the new offering, get out there and BUY ONE so Uberti will continue to make them.  I personally want a pair to go with my 1866 .44 Russian Trapper.  Of course, Mine will be set up for 44 Russian.

Amen my friend

[Blair]

Coffinmaker,

No new "Smithy and Wesson (oil??)"? Do you have access to an Original #3 S&W for comparison? (even if you barrow these for your own comparison?)
I think I could address your "quandary" if you could. But, it will have to be in a situation where you can see what I am suggesting for yourself.
My best,
Blair

[The Pathfinder]

Coffinmaker, you da man! I can remember when I bought the Navy Arms Uberti Schofield back when it came out, got it in 45 Colt and had a blast with it. Then the 45 Schofield cases came on the scene and I had even more fun with it, knowing I was shooting the correct ammo (or as close as I was going to get because of BP fouling) out of it. Now it has a stable mate, an original S&W 2nd model that was cut down to around 4 1/2"s or so sometime in the past. And now I know just what the BP Schofield can do and how much fun it is (out of a Smith, been using them for years in old Colts).
Last year I stumbled onto a good deal for a cut down 2nd model American and have been trying to gather up everything I need to fire it. Now that I've got everything I'll take some time this winter and get a batch of 44 American loaded up for the spring (can't understand why the indoor range people object to all that sulfurous smoke). And now, after all the years of asking for it, Cimarron answers our prayers and announces an American replica (finally Uberti agreed with Mike). Can't think of a better retirement present the kids can all chip in together on for the old man (course I've got to survive till retirement yet).
I know that the lawyers have gotten involved and can't wait to see just how they may have corrupted the old girl, but I'll still love her when she finally arrives on the scene. Why, because I asked for her, all the way back to Val Forgett II, and tho it's taken many years and many extra hands, I'm just grateful to realize that someone is listening to us. And minor variations from the original and all, I still try to support those that support and work for us.

As I said before, 8"s of barrel and in 44 Russian...close enough for me. And you won't hear any complaints.