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A friend who has moved to Ecuador gave me this pistol. I thought was an interesting pistol. SW "Russian Model" cal. 44 Russian I believe. I has what appears to be a silver dime as a front sight. I haven't found a Super Tuck or Galco listing for it and no ammo at WalMart, but I could always use it as a club.



Edited for additional info.
Smith and Wesson S/N 38xxx, Last patent date August 24, 69. Marked "Russian Model" on the barrel rib. No caliber marking that I can find - I assume it to be .44 Russian, but I guess it could be .44 spcl. Grips appear to have been sanded down (unfortunately) any info appreciated

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Model_3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.gunrightsmedia.com/archive/i ... 17146.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.armchairgunshow.com/Russ-info.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Starlline sells .44 Russian brass. The .44 Russian was the granddaddy of the .44 Special and the great grandaddy of the .44 Magnum. In it's day the .44 Russian was considered to be the top target round. There is a small following of .44 Russian shooters in Cowboy Action and there is some ammo made. Nice old gun.

AEA and MoJo,
Thanks for the info. From the information provided it appears to be a Second Model "Old Russian" since it has with the 7" bbl and trigger guard spur. I may look into getting some ammo just to say I shot it. I received several pistols from my friend, including several sought after SW's (27-2 5", Old K-22 and Mod 43 22/32 Kit Gun and first model 60) This was the most interesting.

When you said the last patent date was August 24, 09, you meant 1909, right?

That gun might be worth some money, even with the grips sanded... I'd take it in to be looked at professionally!

denwego wrote:That gun might be worth some money, even with the grips sanded... I'd take it in to be looked at professionally!

I have done some additional research and I found that the grips were originally smooth walnut. No markings. I am going to remove the grips to see if they still have the penciled s/n on the right grip. I also looked at the barrel markings and found the last patent date was Aug 24, (18)69 not (19)09. I was getting confused by the 09 date. At this point I'm pretty sure it's a SW Model 3, 2nd Model and is chambered for .44 Russian. Single action and will only shoot black powder cartridges. I'm not absolutely sure on the last point so I continue my research. As far as value it's kind of a moot point. I will keep it and if my friend should return it will be his again. I will probably get it appraised for insurance purposes, but I'd guess about $11-1500, 80% condition maybe. I would like to shoot it sometime.

C-dub wrote:When you said the last patent date was August 24, 09, you meant 1909, right?

Well, my eyes aren't too good. That's what I thought, but I got a stronger light with my magnifying glass and it's Aug 24, 69 as in 1869 not 09 as in 1909. See my other post.

Now I'm curious.......
Does it have a firing pin on the hammer?
Was it for rimfire black powder cartridges or is it set up for centerfire cartridges?

AEA wrote:Now I'm curious.......
Does it have a firing pin on the hammer?
Was it for rimfire black powder cartridges or is it set up for centerfire cartridges?

Although this model, at least what I think it is, came in .44 Rimfire it is extremely rare. This one has a firing pin on the hammer and it's centered with the chamber when I look through/between the recoil plate and cylinder. So it's centerfire. I haven't searched for BP .44 Russian ammo, but I will when I get a chance.

PS. I am at the point in my life when I can't remember if my shoes are on my feet. I was asking for information about the pistol nad completely forgot I had bought a 3rd Edition of the Standard Catalogue of Smith and wesson off Ebay quite some time ago. palm on forehead and this

You may be able to shoot .44 Special in it. If you try, I suggest you start with the lowest power loads you can buy.

Do some more research first though. Be SAFE, NOT sorry!

There is a guy on http://7.62x54r.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Think his name is jleiper. Can find it under forum members. This guy knows dang near everything about Russian pistols. Has a huge collection.

Here is a thread with him posting #3 post down.
http://7.62x54r.net/Forums/index.php?topic=5201.0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You could sign up there and then PM him and pick his brain.

He should change his signature to
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Here's some links to some loaded Black Powder .44 Russian ammo and a link to a source for unloaded brass. .44 Special is too long for the chamber you could cut some .44 special brass down to .44 Russian but with brass available that's a lot of unnecessary work. It's all pricey but for the enjoyment of shooting a relic of the early days of cartage guns it might be worth it. Remember, if you do shoot it with BP, that BP is highly corrosive and the gun must be cleaned properly.

http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail.aspx? ... 6&CAT=4438" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/categorie ... ort=1&as=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/de ... =941448167" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;