Smith & Wesson · Revolver

S&W No.3 Russian

Name: S&W No.3 Russian
Brand: Smith & Wesson

Single action · .44 Russian · introduced 1871

Also known as S&W Model 3 Russian, New Model Russian

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About the S&W No.3 Russian

The S&W No.3 Russian is the contract variant of the Smith & Wesson Model 3 top-break single-action revolver produced for the Imperial Russian Army from 1871. Chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge with a six-shot cylinder, it is distinguished from the base No.3 American by a spur on the trigger guard and a knuckle (finger rest) at the top of the backstrap.

General Alexander Gorloff placed an initial order of roughly 41,000 in 1871; a follow-up by Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich in 1872 expanded total Russian orders past 130,000. The contract put Smith & Wesson on the map and gave rise to the .44 Russian, parent of the .44 Special and .44 Magnum.

S&W No.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
Production status: Out of production
Country of origin: US

Features

Top break
Automatic ejection
Trigger guard spur
Backstrap knuckle

Distinct from the base S&W Model 3 American (which used .44 S&W American) and from modern Uberti reproductions. The .44 Russian cartridge used an inside-lubricated bullet smaller than the case. The definitive Third Model 'New Model Russian' of 1874 carries the spur trigger guard and backstrap knuckle.