ANTIQUE (no PAL) .38 Special / .38 Smith & Wesson Model 3 Target Revolver in .38-44 (38/44 S&W) with New Model 3 .44 Russian Frame 1/1413 ever made

Behold the rare Smith & Wesson Model 3 Target in .38/44 (compatible with .38 Special OR .38 S&W). These were introduced in a limited production of 4333 spanning 23 years starting in 1887, with this being 1 of only 1413 chambered in .38/44 while the rest were .32/44. This was a decade before the first official use of the term ".38 Special" (in 1898) and over 40 years before mass production of the standard pressure .38 Special cartridge by Western Cartridge Company starting in the late 1920s, but the dimensions of .38/44 are identical to the .38 SPL cartridge that we know and love today. In other words, these revolvers were trailblazers ahead of their time. New Model 3 revolvers were the favourite of famous sharpshooter Annie Oakley (who owned 3), and carried by Wyatt Earp during the shootout at the OK Corral for good reason; Smith & Wesson made extremely reliable and accurate revolvers.

Two chamberings were used in the No. 3 Target revolvers: .32/44 and .38/44. The 44 refers to the use of the same large frame, cylinder, and barrel that Smith & Wesson's .44 revolvers used. Because of this large frame, this revolver is more strong, robust, and stable for accurate shooting with almost no recoil. It fits the hand very naturally and I've never felt a more elegant trigger pull than what these offer.

This revolver would have been made in the early 1890s. The condition is well loved. The surfaces have a consistent aged steely patina with traces of original blueing remaining. The 6 1/2" barrel has clearly defined rifling down the length with scattered oxidation typical of an antique of this age that has seen black powder use. Surfaces show various minor scratches or dings but no active pitting or major damage. I believe the hardwood grips are original S&W factory grips from a different revolver in the main New Model No. 3 production run, as they are stamped inside with the serial 38XXX.

The action of this target revolver is functional with a ridiculously light single action trigger pull. All mechanisms work reliably including cycling, indexing, cocking, and firing, though there is definite side-to-side and forward play in the cylinder. The top break latch has minor (approx 1 mm) wiggle.

No PAL, 18+

Ships Canada

I make no claims about the safety of ANY antique revolver