New Model 3

ISCS Yoda · #1 11-13-2021, 09:12 PM

A little premature fun.

I cannot answer any of the questions that the sticky thread requires, except for the obvious.

Hammer - yes

Break-top - yes

Short top strap - looks like it to me

And I do think it's a Model 3.

Premature because this revolver is not yet in my possession. My friend has it and is holding it for me. It came from an estate; the administrator is another friend and he gave this to me.

As you can see, it has not been well cared for. I don't know yet if I can clean that orange colored goop off or not. My buddy thinks it's some kind of .32 caliber, maybe .32 S&W. I was guessing a .38 caliber, like .38 S&W.

Or, more to the point, based on the SCSW, .32-44 or .38-44 if it's a Target Model, which I am totally unsure about except the sights look pretty basic to me and not at all set up as a target gun.

The fun part here is I'm asking for speculation although someone might be able to nail it 100%. Then, once I get my hands on it, I'll have details in re markings, numbers, etc.

So, let the fun begin!

orbruce · #2 11-13-2021, 10:04 PM

Not a New Model #3, those were single action this gun is a double action. Not a Model 3 Double Action in 32-44 or 38-44 as those calibers were only used in the single actions, and those guns had a "free grove" on the cylinder. Most likely a 38 Double Action having a 5-shot cylinder.

B. Mower

mmaher94087 · #3 11-13-2021, 11:08 PM

I side with orbruce; .38 DA and probably a 2nd Model as I think I see a free groove on the cylinder. Without any size reference it is tough to tell the .38 DA from the .44. Five shot = .38. Six shot = .44.

ISCS Yoda · #4 11-13-2021, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Most likely a 38 Double Action having a 5-shot cyli

Well, we'll know after I get my hands on it (and I admit they all look alike to me) but based on orbruce's comments I'm guessing .38 Double Action 1st Model because it has a recurve rear trigger guard - or at least that's what I think that I see (page 95 SCSW).

HA! I said this would be fun!

BMur · #5 11-13-2021, 11:31 PM

Check out the photos below.
1st photo is the OP’s (38)
2nd photo is a 44 DA

I think it’s clearly a 38 DA 2nd model. The first model had a straight cut side plate. The flutes are the giveaway. That’s a 5 shot cylinder. Decent shape with a lot of nickel remaining.

Murph

ISCS Yoda · #6 12-10-2021, 02:55 AM

New details.

Item: I dropped a .38 Special into the cylinder. It fit sufficiently to prove that the gun is clearly a .38 S&W.

Item: It has a long list of information and dates on top of the barrel rib - under a magnifying glass:

Top line:

Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA Pat'd Jan 17 & 24 05

I'm pretty sure the last digits on the top line are not 05 but it's very worn. I'd guess 65 considering what follows.

Bottom line:

July 11 65 Aug 24 69 July 25 71 Aug 8 79 May 11 & 25 1880

SN 17478

Does that help pin down this model?

ISCS Yoda · #7 12-10-2021, 02:57 AM

Oh, yes, clearly a five shot , double action, break top revolver. Nickel, well worn.

Club Gun Fan · #8 12-10-2021, 10:03 AM

This is a New Model #3 in .38/44. Clearly different then yours. Yours is a .38 S&W not a .38 S&W Special.

mmaher94087 · #9 12-10-2021, 12:13 PM

S&W, .38 DA, 2nd Issue.

ISCS Yoda · #10 12-13-2021, 01:51 PM

Cool! We agree, then, 38 DA 2nd model in .38 S&W.

Much obliged!

I'm not shooting it. The gun was given to me by a close friend who is the executor of the estate of another friend. He dropped it off for me at another close friend's home who happens to be an FFL/licensed manufacturer. No paperwork needed but the gun was so gummed up that the trigger and hammer didn't work and the breaktop didn't work either. My talented buddy got it in functioning shape for me but with that history I'm not even thinking about obtaining ammunition for it. It will be on display in my living room; that's it.