Standard Model in .44 S&W Russian caliber, with target sights and trigger guard spur. It has a 6 1/2 inch barrel, two-line patent on top rib, and S/N 19xxx. Nickel finish maybe 60%.

I welcome feedback, and especially any estimate of value.

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AGM-28
S&WCA 3711, S&WHF 809

Assuming no mechanical problems and that all the parts have the same number, including the rear sight & the stocks, the gun would probably go in the $2K+ range in a good auction. A factory letter could help that a bit if it showed the gun going overseas, or to an individual. A target model with the trigger guard "hook" could be a special ordered gun. Can you backtrack the ownership any ? Ed

One of mine (very similar to yours), Lot #323 in the most recent Rock Island Auction (ended 12/5/21) sold for $6900 (including buyer's premium). I say very similar to yours in that it too carried the Russian style trigger guard (albeit with checkered spur). It's blue, very high percentage remaining, and has its box.

Ralph Tremaine

HoundDog,

You’ve got some very interesting Smith & Wesson’s.
The 6 1/2 “ barrel supports a factory origin target model.
Those grips though? They look custom made to me. Very unique.
The trigger guard is anyone’s guess since it could have been installed custom when those grips were applied. To achieve maximum Market value a Historical letter is mandatory.

Murph

Here’s the link:

Special Order Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target SA Revolver | Rock Island Auction

Now, Ralph, that’s a very nice revolver!

Wow! That is a beauty, Mr. T!!

While I would like to letter everything I have, I have yet to letter any. Time and money I suppose... While most of what I have is pretty straightforward, I do intend to letter a few that are more unique. This one just got added to that list! As soon as the moratorium is lifted, I'll be sending in my requests. I thank you who responded with good information to help guide me. Information gained on this forum is invaluable and available nowhere else--thanks again!

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AGM-28
S&WCA 3711, S&WHF 809

HoundDog,

I just have to comment on the finish along with the custom grips, TG, and features?

The only thing lacking in my theory are proof marks.
The flat screws seen on Ralph’s gun are typical American type.
However, the domed screws on your gun are typical British made screws. “European”.
Along with those custom grips, extended trigger guard and in my opinion non factory Nickel finish.
Just my opinion, this is custom work, professionally performed for an individual target shooter.
I think a historical letter would either be extremely interesting or just continue the mystery.

Just my opinion but I’m seeing someone who knew what they were doing completely reworking this target gun to custom status.
Even the ratchet was replaced during the refit. So a tune up of the action and cosmetic job at the same time for someone who had some extra $$ laying around.

Murph

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Those are pretty good observations--way beyond my knowledge base. I guess since I'm dusting off my Model 3's, I'm more curious at the moment--so this gun will be the first I send off for a letter. If you're right, that makes this gun quite interesting--even if it doesn't contribute to its value. Thanks!

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AGM-28
S&WCA 3711, S&WHF 809

This revolver is a good candidate to letter as it is a target type chambered in .44 Russian with the Russian style trigger guard.

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Mike Maher #283

I hoped that another would chime in here, but I guess I'll take the lead.

HoundDog,

"The flat screws seen on Ralph’s gun are typical American type." This might be true for other brands but not S&W. Ralph's revolver has the domed (fillister) head screws.

"However, the domed screws on your gun are typical British made screws. “European”.". Again, not true of S&W. The screw heads were all fillister (domed) head until the Hand Ejector series where the stocks (grips) covered a side plate screw that was a flathead needed for clearance issues.

"...and in my opinion non factory Nickel finish." Everything I see points to an original finish that has begun to turn milky from age. You have a very nice NM#3.

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Mike Maher #283

As usual,

HoundDog,
You probably understood my meaning.
My point being “IN MY OPINION” a rework took place in EUROPE and that individual used British style Domed screws to tune up and customize the target gun. Replacing the original screws. So they were “REPLACED”. Is that clear enough? If you can’t see the difference? I can’t help you.

Target guns were much more popular in Europe(fact) and were often customized with special grips, even special sights that are NOT found on U.S. “factory” Smith & Wesson’s. These modifications are very often “professionally” applied and machined and “look” factory but are not.

I always appreciate when my post is crudely edited to erase, twist, and distort my meaning.

Murph

HoundDog,
I’m just curious regarding the caliber? It’s hard to see the cylinder chambers from your photo of the back of the cylinder. Does each chamber have a distinct case stop or step/ line in the chamber?
Thanks,

Murph

It does--.44 Russian ammo is a perfect fit, headspaces perfectly on the line/ridge, and the gun is clearly centerfire.

And again, I apologize for the marginal pictures--they seem to cause more confusion. My old camera did fine, but this new one can't seem to get the light correct--I'm working on it...

As soon as I get the letter back, and this will be the first one I send in, I will post it here.

Thanks again to all!

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AGM-28
S&WCA 3711, S&WHF 809

IMO, it's rather a .44R New Model with optional target sights.
"Target" NM were only chambered in .32-44 or .38-44
The target sights on this gun don't make it a "target".

I've read somewhere that the triggerguard spur, lanyard ring and target sights were optional on all Nr.3 NM.

I don’t agree.
The 44 Russian was most definitely a target caliber. Therefore if found with factory 6 1/2” target barrel and factory adjustable target sights? It’s definitely a “ Target Gun” as intended by the factory! See attached “ Target 44 Russian” listed as sold to a Target shooter During that period.
Notice what the historical letter calls it?

Also, there was no better caliber during that time for Target
Shooting than the 44 Russian. That is a fact! Why? Because of the versatility of the caliber! Over 12 different commercial loads were available for the 44 Russian during the black powder era. No other caliber can match that! Your choices in bullets also was unmatched in both weight and design. No other caliber even comes close.


Murph

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I agree, the .44 russian cartridge is accurate and perfect for targeting, but it's well known that the "target" models are serialed in a special serie from #1 to #4333. All chambered in .32-44 and .38-44 only.
The .44 NM#3 revolvers with target sights are part of the NM regular serie, and referenced as "NM w/target sights variation".

Regards

The letter showed up (attached) and confirms original configuration and American delivery destination. Not quite sure why the letter just states ".44 Caliber" and not specifically .44 S&W Russian. But no indication of any alteration, and it wouldn't really make any sense anyway. It is clearly .44 S&W Russian. Good to know the spur and target sights are original!

Attached Files

New Model 3 Target_R.pdf (193.5 KB, 24 views)

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AGM-28
S&WCA 3711, S&WHF 809