Sorry to be a newbie

Reno Crunch · #1 07-16-2020, 06:55 PM

Good Day,

My 1st post here. I tried to read up and hopefully I am not too much of a bother.

Going though some stuff I found a hand me down non-functional Handgun. It appears to be a S&W 44 Russian. I am trying to read up on it and figure out what is exactly is. I Was thinking of making it wall art initially, but do not want to mess up an actual historical gun. It is missing the part to keep it closed. - That is why I never paid it much attention. But the extractor looks good, the trigger is decent. Lots of pitting, the barrel is not completely rusted. Not thinking of ever firing it, but if someone really needed a part gun or it was worth making whole for collectors... I took these pics, willing to try and take more if needed or requested. This all started to see if I could find the parts to make it stay closed or use one from a replica gun... the internet can lead one down many rabbit holes for sure... Thanks in advance.

first-model · #2 07-16-2020, 07:08 PM

Looks like a Model 3 Russian, 3rd Model, that was sold on the commercial market. As you've noted, it's a bit of a rat in terms of condition, but it's still a very historic firearm. As wall art goes, that's some pretty nice art.

The experts will be along shortly to tell you all about it, and I look forward to hearing their opinion.

Mike

JSR III · #3 07-16-2020, 08:16 PM

Before we get too critical, just imagine what we will all look like at around 150 years old. I'm guessing that any that make it might be missing a few parts, have a few replacement parts and our barrels might be a little pitted and rusty.

rwsmith · #4 07-16-2020, 09:04 PM

To be a newbie! You did the right thing. The rules are scripture here and I'm a slow learner.

Anyway, Have a Hound Dawg Howdy to you from SC!

mmaher94087 · #5 07-16-2020, 09:54 PM

Your S&W revolver is a 3rd Model Russian. The barrel latch may be available from Gun Parts Corporation, Jack First or possibly found on eBay.

In the FWIW category, the barrel hinge pin is not properly installed. Loosen the screw by two or three turns, tap gently on the screw to move the opposite side pin out a little. Align the witness marks between the pin and barrel and tap the pin back in. Tighten the screw and that's done. Presently, the pin is sitting proud of the barrel (it's not indexed) and it should be flush with the barrel.

BMur · #6 07-16-2020, 10:58 PM

Welcome Aboard!!

Here is a clip from an old Flaydermans that will clear the air.

It’s worth restoring from outward appearance. The frame has been scrubbed very hard. I can certainly see the machine marks next to the hammer stud. The gun must have been a dark Brown and someone didn’t like that.
Anyway, it would take a lot of time to restore it. At least the markings seem to all be there which is a Very Good thing!

Murph

opoefc · #7 07-17-2020, 12:26 AM

Welcome to the Forum. You say the gun is a "hand me down", so if it has any family heirloom connections you may want to get a factory historical letter to see when it was shipped from S&W, to whom & where & what the configuration was at the time. Then keep this history with the gun for future generations. The barrel latch is not too hard a part to find from the parts dealers mentioned above, as there are several models that use a similar latch that will work. ( New Models #3, for example ). I see "Bubba" did a fairly creative barrel latch replacement at some time in the past that probably worked very well for his purpose of keeping his shootin iron in usuable condition. I believe the 1874 stamp on the butt is a dealer mark and not stamped by S&W. Ed.

mmaher94087 · #8 07-17-2020, 02:59 PM

Reno Crunch, here's a scan of parts for your revolver. You need parts R8, R9a, R9 and R16. Good luck.

Oyeboteb · #9 07-17-2020, 02:59 PM

I would just see to it's Mechanical function ( clean mechanism, and Oil it and all else that moves ) and to replace the missing Latch, and no cosmetic restoration.

It is not really all that bad compared to many we have seen!

Ebay had some latches recently for the American and Russian Models, but I do not know if they sold or will be re listed.

Just get some Bronze Wool ( ebay, Brownells, etc ) and light Oil and go over the outsides of it with those.

Bore may clean up to be nicer via a Bronze Bore Brush, and hot Soapy Water...I usually just rig one to an Electric Drill ( Bore Brush on a Cleaning Rod of course ) and just go end to end a hundred and fifty times or so...

Handsome old S & W!!

It does not look to have ever been re-finished, which is a BIG HUGE GIANT "Plus"..!

...re-finish is the proverbial "Kiss of Death" for these.

Honest and imperfect original finish ( even if having been 'cleaned' ) which has never been re-finished, is always way way out ahead of any re finish.

Kinman · #10 07-17-2020, 03:15 PM

Welcome to the pond...Nice old piece, IMO worth setting straight. Considering the wear I bet its got a colorful past.

Reno Crunch · #11 07-27-2020, 01:12 PM

Thanks everyone. The info has been very helpful.

We just bought a house and I have been swamped with getting it ready. I meant to post quicker than I did with my gratitude.

I am grateful to you all for the help here. I want to make it a display piece on my Office Wall. I am sure it is not a family heirloom as My Dad and I spent hours reloading and shooting, He never had it while I lived at home or after. I do have a few guns passed down from Grandfather that Dad would always talk about fixing up. He has been gone for a few years now and I wish I could go to the range once again with him.

I will post a pic of it when I am done, I hope to find a latch or be able to so something better than the wire now on it.

Reno Crunch · #12 07-27-2020, 01:41 PM

OK, one short Question, will the parts from a Uberti Replica fit the gun and keep the latch closed if I cannot find a real S&W part.

opoefc · #13 07-27-2020, 02:00 PM

The answer is "Yes & No" Ubertis are very close replicas and my guess is that their parts could be made to fit an S&W with only minor modifications, at the most. The biggest problem would probably be the screw thread sizes - Ubertis being metric. Ed

Wiregrassguy · #14 07-27-2020, 02:04 PM

Before you resort to potentially unusable parts (I've been told "no.") check with model3sw (Sal). He may have the parts or might know where you can get them.