I have a original .44 New Model Russian in really nice cosmetic condition, and locks up tight.

The half cock is not working and there is a slight cylinder offset abut 0.010" on the right side when looking down the bore.

My smith took a look at it, said there was no sign that there was ever a half cock notch.
Said it may be a replaced hammer.
He didn't want to mess with the indexing, said he might make it worse.
He is obviously scared to work on it.

I would like to get the 1/2 cock and indexing fixed, as it is a really nice looking pistol does anyone know of a smith or company who works on these old revolvers?

If you remove the side plate and post some photographs, we may be able to help you.

If you are talking about a 44 Double Action revolver, the half-cock is easy to miss. The big bore DAs I am familiar with go into half-cock after the hammer is pulled only a fraction of an inch. Almost like a manual rebound position. Check your revolver to see if it catches just after the firing pin clears the recoil shield.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thanks for the reply's, I re-identified the revolver as being a single action model 3 chambered in .44 Russian.
I had my smith remove the side panel and it was easy to see the problem, the sear has either been messed with or the tip got broke somehow.
The tip of the sear is missing the last 1/16"
When trying to half cock, the sear touches the half cock notch and I can feel it trying to catch but it slips past, it does however hold well on full cock.
So my smith said it looks as though I need a original or reproduction trigger assembly, another problem is the revolver is nickel plated, that I am not too worried about right now, I just want it to work with half cock..

I don't know where to even start with finding a trigger, does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Jerry

There are still several Model 3 revolver models to sort through. The 1st Model 3 Russian was basically a Model 3 American re-chambered for 44 Russian. There were also 2 versions of the Model 3 Russian with a spur trigger. The New Model 3 was also available in 44 Russian. All the preceding were single action revolvers. The last made was the New Model 3 Double Action 44 Russian. First thing to determine is exactly what model you have??

Finding original parts is, unfortunately, almost impossible. There are many parts companies out there, but have long since exhausted their parts inventories for this model revolver. There are some parts used in Uberti Model 3 Russian revolvers that are similar to original, but never guaranteed to work. I have not tried a sear replacement with an Uberti part, so maybe others might have information., but those parts are often difficult to find as well. A quick web search for Uberti parts and it will locate several companies that list parts for Uberti. Give them a call and maybe you can find a sear to try.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I guess Im a pragmatist, but are you hell bent on shooting this gun?
Maybe time to retire the old girl? There comes a time when you just have to let it rest. But, your gun, your money.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

somis81, you said, " ..it does however hold well on full cock." As an armchair gunsmith, there are a few questions needing answers. First, with the revolver unloaded and with the hammer down; slowly draw it back to full-cock. At the instant of full-cock, is the cylinder in battery (fully locked?) or does one need to draw the hammer farther rearward to achieve the lockup? The second question is about the half-cock. Same procedure as before. When the revolver is at half-cock; does the cylinder spin freely? Can the hammer be pushed-off with forward thumb pressure? Your answers may give an idea about what parts need replacing or re-welding etc. Mike

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Mike Maher #283

I'm pretty sure a competent welder could restore a broken tip. It might take a bit of hand fitting, but certainly doable.

I have a New Model 3 in 44 Russian that was completely restored by two gentlemen in Illinois. Pete Nagel (815-732-1249) is a master welder who restored the broken firing pin. You cannot tell it from an original. The gunsmith who restored the gun has sadly retired Both of them did a masterful job on this gun that left the factory 12/1894 and went to Japan.
Fred #2968