New Model 3's are not something I know much about. I bought this .44 Russian gun 10 years ago as a neat single action. Recent research showed that the barrel is incorrect.

The revolver is SN 24517 which is on the frame and cylinder. The barrel pictured below has no markings, no patent dates, no address on the ribs, no caliber markings, and no serial number in the latch area. The latch is also unnumbered. I don't see any obvious polishing that would remove the markings.

There are no markings on the frame under the grips.

Is this a replacement barrel? Has anyone seen an unmarked barrel like this? I appreciate thoughts and opinions.

Attached Images

	sm nm3 bbl lft rsz.jpg (70.2 KB, 61 views)
	sw nm3 bbl rear rsz.jpg (35.2 KB, 61 views)
	sw nm3 bbl rib rsz.jpg (72.4 KB, 55 views)
	sw nm3 bbl rt rsz.jpg (71.4 KB, 57 views)

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Mike SWCA 2865 NRA Benefactor

For those interested, here are pictures of the frame.

Attached Images

	sm nm3 frame rt rsz.jpg (71.7 KB, 49 views)
	sw nm3 frame left rsz.jpg (68.5 KB, 46 views)

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Mike SWCA 2865 NRA Benefactor

My guess would be that the barrel is a replacement obtained from someone like Numrich who bought surplus inventory when the factory disposed of it. It probably has no caliber marks because not all NM #3s were so marked, only later ones. It probably has no patent markings on the rib because the barrel could have been used on either a NM#3 or a .44DA and they would have had different marks, and the factory would have applied whatever marks were appropriate for the gun the barrel was being fitted to.

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Tom
1560

Skeetr57's answer explains the barrel and latch. Numrich, Bannerman and others offered these types of barrels and parts for many years, purchased from scrap dealers and S&W. Ed.

I appreciate the information. I imagine the replacement barrel significantly reduces any collector value. Any estimate on current value? If it isn't worth much to sell or trade, it would be fun to shoot.

If so, can anyone recommend some cowboy or low pressure factory ammo?

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Mike SWCA 2865 NRA Benefactor

Your gun should handle modern .44 Russian ammo. without any downsides, other than it hard ammo. to find. Any cowboy loads would also work fine. It should make a dandy shooter. Ed.

Ed,
Thanks for the info. I'll find some ammo and enjoy it.

With a 7.5" barrel, I'm interested to see how it handles compared to a Colt SAA.

Mike

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Mike SWCA 2865 NRA Benefactor

Old thread, but finally got back to this .44 Russian NM3.

The replacement barrel is the wrong caliber. A .429 bullet goes through the cylinder throats with a minor thumb nudge.

The same bullet drops down the barrel and falls through. Possibly it is a .434- 44 American barrel. I don't have lead to check it.

Although New Models are not in my collecting interest, I'd like to get this gun in shooting condition. Any ideas on where to find a .44 Russian barrel assembly? Or anyone who needs the frame/ cylinder for a project? Anyone need a 44 American barrel?

Attached Images

sm nm3 bbl lft crp.jpg (29.2 KB, 11 views)

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Mike SWCA 2865 NRA Benefactor

long cylinder? (19/16).
TRY 44 SPECIAL

Thanks for the response.

I don't quite understand what you mean.

I thought .44 special was also a .429 bullet? My thought is that the oversized bore will not work with any .429 cartridge. Even if the cylinder takes the longer .44 special, the throat/ barrel issue is the same?

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Mike SWCA 2865 NRA Benefactor

My guess is that whoever replaced the barrel years ago, just bought a surplus barrel from wherever and since it was not marked as to the caliber, stuck it on your gun, assuming that maybe it was .44 Russian. NM#3s were made in so many different calibers, that unless the barrel happened to have the caliber stamping, you need to measure the bore to be sure. I'll bet the bore measurements will indicate the barrel is for one of the many .45 or .455 cal. NM#3s. Ed.

Bulldog.
I believe that 44 special is available in .4325 bullet size.

OPOEFC You may be right about the .45. I suspect the barrel replacement is as you state.

IBY, .432 might be the answer. I'll have to check the cylinder throats. The cylinder measures 1 7/16".

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Mike SWCA 2865 NRA Benefactor