Smith & Wesson · Revolver

S&W Model 3 Russian

Name: S&W Model 3 Russian
Brand: Smith & Wesson

Single action · .44 Russian · introduced 1871

Also known as S&W No.3 Russian, New Model Russian, Russian Model

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About the S&W Model 3 Russian

The S&W Model 3 Russian is the Imperial Russian contract version of the Smith & Wesson Model 3 top-break single-action revolver, produced from 1871. Chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge in a six-shot cylinder, this revolver is distinguished from the base Model 3 American by a spur on the trigger guard and a knuckle (finger rest) at the top of the backstrap. The large Russian orders put Smith & Wesson on the map as a major arms maker.

General Alexander Gorloff negotiated the first Russian order in 1871; follow-on contracts pushed total Russian purchases past 130,000 revolvers. The deal both rescued and elevated Smith & Wesson and gave the firearms world the .44 Russian, the ancestor of the .44 Special and .44 Magnum.

S&W Model 3 Russian specifications

General

Type: Revolver
Action: Single action
Firing mechanism: Single action
Trigger: Single action
Calibres: .44 Russian
Magazine capacity: 6 rounds
Magazine: Revolving cylinder

Dimensions

Barrel length: 165 mm (6.5 in)
Overall length: 305 mm (12.0 in)
Weight (empty): 1.30 kg (2.87 lb)

Barrel

Rifling: Right hand

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Stock: Wood
Finish: blued

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 229 m/s (751 fps)
Effective range: 50 m

History

Introduced: 1871
Discontinued: 1878
Production status: Out of production
Country of origin: US

Features

Top break
Automatic ejection
Trigger guard spur
Backstrap knuckle

Between 1872 and 1874 the design went through three revisions requested by the Russians, which collectors call the First, Second and Third Model Russians. The .44 Russian cartridge introduced the inside-lubricated bullet seated within the case and is the parent of the later .44 Special and .44 Magnum.