Help! Questions about my New Model #3 .22 conversion

[Wyatt Burp]

I recently posted the N.M. # 3 I bought that was converted from .44 Russian to .22 long rifle in the 1930s. I just got it and popped off a couple blanks in it to see impact point. I still don't know how the center fire hammer firing pin hits perfectly on the .22 shell. Does the hammer look modified or thinned in any way to hit off center? Also, the gun has no lanyard ring and has, to me, the look of a Target Model. Does the latch, modified front sight and butt verify that? Serial # is 258XX. Can anyone here date that to year of make?
I just picked it up yesterday and haven't gone to the range yet. But I think this gun, converted by a railroad blacksmith/machinist is an amazing piece of machinery. It's tight as new. The barrel extension is part of the .22 rifle barrel used as a liner. Any help or thoughts on this would be much appreciated. Thanks

[opoefc]

The hammer nose ( firing pin part ) has been cut off, turned around, and reattached, to convert it to a rim fire position. As you say, a very good conversion by a competent blacksmith/gunsmith . Ed.

[ngc2121]

That is one BEAUTIFUL conversion!!!!! The workmanship is outstanding!!!! Just love the looks of this firearm!!!!!!

[rct269]

Do the latch, front sight, and butt verify a target model?

To the best of my knowledge, the latch assembly (per se) is the same on both guns-----the latch having been modified to accommodate the rear sight on the target model. The rear sight on this gun is correct.

I really can't speak to the front sight, because I have only target guns. The front sight on NM #3's with target sights is pinned in place-----as is this one. I imagine N&J speaks to the front sight question----as to whether the front sight on a standard (non target) gun is pinned----or part of the barrel forging.

The butt----------I am aware of no difference whatsoever between the butts on standard/target guns. I strongly suspect D.B. would have been handing out pink slips to any and all who were found to even be thinking about a separate frame forging for target models.

Ralph Tremaine

And the best I can do on the date (which isn't even close) is #30261 left Springfield on October 18, 1896. And for you fans of trivia, S&W made 3,463 NM #3's in 1896---and shipped "just over 3,000 units" to the Japanese government.

[Bruce51]

I can see why you wanted this very unique conversion.

A great piece of history that can shoot .22's.

What's not to like.

BLM