So I've always wanted a model 3, or a large frame S&W antique in general. I don't have any of the 44 DAs nor a model 3. I found 2 different model 3s recently. One from a dealer I know, the other from a collector friend of mine. I am looking for opinions from those more experienced than I on such guns.

I will first discuss the one the dealer has because I am more excited about it. It is a new model 3 target, in 38-44 cal. SN 36XX. It has some wear, but a lot of bluing left. I didn't get to look at it yet, but I got these 2 pics from the dealer. I read that these are pretty rare, less than 4500 made, and less than half are 38-44 or so says the SCSW 3rd. From what I read, it also could be a 1 9/16 cylinder version, of which less than 800 were made of both cals. I forgot to ask the dealer to measure it but I also don't know that he knows what he has either and I like that. The price is $2250 and I forgot to ask if it was on consignment. If it is and even if its not, I would like to make an offer, or is it a good enough deal to buy it and run? It seems to be a pretty scarce subvariation of the model 3. Here are the 2 pics I have:




The other gun is a Russian 3rd model. Still has the trigger spur. SN 46XXX. The finish is a patina / brown now, no blue left. Gun completely matches. Bore has pitting throughout, rates about a 6/10 to my eye. The top of the barrel has some dings over the address, just 2 or 3, but at least 1 was the width of the rib. The grips are nice and match the gun. The gun indexes and the extractor works. However, the cylinder turns one way even at lockup, I think right aka clockwise. The cylinder won't turn the opposite way at lockup. The lanyard was removed. My friend wants $1500. What say you? Here is the only pic I have of it.

Neither gun has a factory letter.

What do you want to do with those revolvers? Do you want to shoot or just collect?

If to shoot and the bore on the new model 3 is alright trye to make a good offer. In my eyes is the price a bit to steep. The barrel has some dings or dongs. I cant see it right. But one thing I do know. The New model 3 is the most beautiful Smith and Wesson top break ever made.

But that is only my opinion.

What type of markings does the Russian have? Cryllic, Japanese, or commercial? Is it cut for a stock? If the Russian is a commercial model, I feel that price would be high retail, but the other productions would make that price more reasonable.

The New Model 3 looks like a target model and total production was only 1413 in 38-44, and that price would be good if it were in better condition. If it has the longer cylinder, it is more rare because according to Supica, only 689 of both 32-44 and 38-44 were made. Length of the long cylinder is 1 9/16".

Its a commercial model. No special markings that I could see. Where were they normally? The top?

I referred to it as that in my post. With such a rare gun, i'm wondering if the price is fair since price wise there's not many around to compare to. I'd love to have it but I also don't want to over pay.

For either of these, I am looking for a collector's piece. Shooting one of these is not a big deal to me although I want one that functions great and has a good bore at the same time. I just want something good for my first S&W model 3.

Personally, I would pass on both of those and look around some more.

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Cliff

Not to be a fool here, but why do you say that? I don't think the prices are the best ever, but I could make an offer. Do you mean to say you wouldn't make an offer?

Im really not an expert on these but have been searching for a large frame myself. Ive found several examples in this condition for $400-500.00 less. I have decided that I will wait and spend in the $3000.00 range for one. That seems to be the price range of the much nicer examples that can be shot safely. The better the condition, the better it will hold or increase its value. I just dont see either of the ones that you listed as good investments but, like I said, I am no expert. If you like one of them, go for it. We have all overpaid for guns we just had to have, myself included : )

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Cliff

Just an observation, but I have found that even though the target models are somewhat rare (low production), people aren't breaking down doors to get them. Unless in really nice condition, they don't seem to bring much more than the more common .44's. Might be because the .44's are easier to get ammo for if you want to shoot them.

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Well the target one is 38-44, would it chamber 38 S&W? Does "38-44" more refer to the frame as in 38 cal on a 44 size frame?

No. You are thinking of the 38/44 heavy duties that came out during the '30's. The Model 3 target 38/44 had a case that was the same length as the cylinder so that the bullet would immediatly enter the bore of the barrel. Same thing with the 32/44. Its a long obsolete cartridge. You might find some very old stock but it is very rare.

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Cliff

As some of the old timers around here may remember I started a data base of NM#3's seen by me or observed by others on the forum. I have 3 #8-44 target in the range you indicated all are blued with hard rubber grips and 6.5 inch barrels none were noted as having 1 9/16 cylinders which doesn't mean yours will not have that feature, it simply means that the person providing the info did not observe same. The serial numbers are 3618, 3658 and 3690. Please feel fee to add yours to the data base via pm. BTW 3658 shipped 4/4/01. remember since all of the frames were completed prior to 1898 regardless of the shipping date all are considered antiques. I also think the price is high for the condition that however may be a regional thing. Best of luck.

Pass on both of these, in my opinion, unless you can get them for 50% less than the asking prices. At a big gun show, or at the annual meeting of the S&WCA, you will see the same conditionl guns for sale for much less than the asking prices on these two guns. Always buy condition in this type of S&W and pay a little more. You will never regret it. There's lots of Model 3 grey guns around and it's OK to buy them cheap the learn about them, but for a good collection, invest in quality only. Ed.

Thanks for the help to everyone who posted. I decided to pass on both revolvers in hopes of finding something better and or cheaper.

Thought you might like to see this target #3 a 38-40 one of 74....They do look great and shoot very well! I have attached a link to an earlier post with info............. 38-40 New Model 3 is 1 of 74

I fixed your link.
Don't put the image code [IMG] around a link. Just copy and paste it. A link is not a pic.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

For comparison here is my NM3, 44 Russ, shipped 1896 to France where I bought it in 1950 for $18.

You have to rubb it in every time isn't it

Here is very good condition Model No 3 (New Model) Target in .32-44 that sold recently on Gunbroker for 1,300.

Smith & Wesson Target Model .32-44 caliber : Antique Guns at GunBroker.com