What The Heck Did I just Buy? S&W Model 3???

[rbertalotto]

I know it isn't a lever gun, but maybe you can help!

My local gun shop called me this afternoon and said they had something I might be interested in. I took a drive and came home with this.

From what I can tell it is a S&W Model 3 in 38 S&W Long? Ser # 3324. Frame and cylinder marked and match.

There is no "US" marking or and other markings other than the S&W logo on the right side. No patent dates etc.

It isn't a Schofield as it has a barrel mounted latch rather than a frame mounted latch.

The bore is near brand new. Not a mark. Looks like it was never fired! The cylinder bores are perfect. Not a mark.

It was stored on one side as there is pitting on that side and the opposite sides grip is faded dramatically. There is no pitting on the side with the faded grip.

It has adjustable sights. (Target model???)

The cylinder measures 1.435" long and the chambers are .386 diameter.....38 S&W Long?

Any help identifying what I bought would be greatly appreciated.







More images here:
http://public.fotki.com/Rbertalotto/thi ... w-model-3/

[Old No7]

I think you should send it to me...

It will take a couple of years, maybe a couple of hundred rounds, and many hours of research...

But by then, I'll know exactly "what it is" -- and then I can tell you for sure!

And all that will be done at no cost to you!

Nice acquisition -- me like!

Old No7

[rbertalotto]

It's on its way!...

[Blaine]

I'm prolly wrong, but weren't those the .38s that failed the military in the Philippines? The reason they got the 1911s?

[Barcelona Rick]

Blaine those were Double Action Colts chambered in 38 Long Colt...may have been the 1895 Model Colt DA (I may have the year wrong)...they reissued some SAA in 45 Colt...the insurgents would dope up from what I have read and were hard to stop. I recently read an article about Black Jack Perishing using some special tactics to stop the tribesman (Muslim)...may be an internet hoax but it was interesting...

rick

[rbertalotto]

Got my answer on another forum:

You have a S&W New Model Number Three, Target Model, chambered for the 38-44 cartridge. Not to be confused with the 38-44 cartridge that was developed in the 1930s and preceded the 357 Magnum. This cartridge is basically an extra long 38 S&W (not 38 Special!). It is called the 38-44 because it is 38 caliber, and the large frame Top Breaks were most commonly chambered for the 44 Russian cartridge. This was one of the premier target pistols of the late 19th Century, and the 38-44 and 32-44 were the preferred target cartridges of the day. The case of the cartridge extended all the way through the cylinder, there was no chamber throat, so there was no 'jump' as the bullet left the case and traversed a chamber throat before entering the forcing cone. This contributed to the accuracy of the gun. In addition, recoil was very light.

The New Model Number Three was the epitome of Top Break design with S&W. Cataloged from 1878 until 1908, but all frames were manufactured before 1899, so they all are classified as antiques.

The Target Model New Model Number Threes were cataloged from 1887 until 1910 with their own range of serial numbers, from 1 to 4333 with just 4333 produced in the 32-44 and 38-44 chamberings.You have a 1 7/16" cylinder which is typical of the early guns, later guns had 1 9/16" cylinders and slightly longer top straps.

In addition to the Serial Number of record on the butt, there are three other places the SN should appear.

[ollogger]

Great story & awesome find!


ollogger

[williamranks]

I remember reading once that S&W top breaks that don't have the caliber marked on the barrel are BP only.
I was looking at a small top break in 38 S&W and checked the net before I committed to the purchase, then passed.

[BrentD]

I don't know much about pistols but it sounds like a few folks here have it well figured out for you.

But, whatever it is, I like it. Nice catch I would say.

Brent

PS. There are a bunch of other very very nice old revolvers for auction in two weeks - listed right here http://www.amoskeagauction.com/104/auction104.html. I won't be going after any of them, but I will find something else in the incredible list of rifles that have up for sale. Not sure any of it will stay in my price range however.

[rbertalotto]

Took it to the range this morning and shot Wad Cutters over as much black poder as I could fit in a 38 Special case.

Excellent accuracy with mild recoil.

But round nose lead seated over BP OAL just so it fits in the cylinder were best. Fantastic accuracy at 25 feet and 50 feet.

I'm gonna like this pistola!

[Ysabel Kid]

Very cool! Yes, that is the predecessor to the Schofield. Awesome!