New Model #3 Target Model .22 conversion

Wyatt Burp · #1 01-09-2017, 01:35 PM

I thought I'd post this fine pistol again since I got a better camera and this one was handy to take a picture of. This is the gun converted from .44 Russian to .22 by a railroad blacksmith/machinist in the 1920s. I bought it from his grand son. The barrel liner is a lathed down .22 rifle barrel. Part of it is the muzzle extention. This gun shoots good!

italiansport · #2 01-09-2017, 01:39 PM

While I'm not a big fan of altering older classics like this one I can understand why it was probably done. None the less a neat job!
Jim

glowe · #3 01-09-2017, 05:04 PM

I think about what was available in a heavy target S&W in 22 caliber in the early Twentieth Century and there was nothing to brag about. If you had a 22 Ladysmith, probably already had a blown forcing cone. Single Shot handguns had a limited following. The I frame 22/32 was not the answer to a heavy frame target gun, so why not take a target NM3 and chamber it in 22. Afterall, the top break revolvers after the advent of the solid frame hand ejectors had little value a hundred years ago.

Neat gun.

model3sw · #4 01-17-2017, 09:47 PM

In my life I had 2, New Model 3s converted to .22 LR. I sold one and kept the other. Of those, they seemed to have been made from a .32-44 and / or a .38/44 ... the .32-44 makes more sense as the ammo went the way of the dinosaur rapidly.

What is the SN ? ( or SN range xx the last 2 if you'd like )

See here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/swca-me...ighlight=Model

it shoots like a tack driver.

H Richard · #5 01-18-2017, 11:13 AM

That was a pretty talented blacksmith.

Wyatt Burp · #6 01-19-2017, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by model3sw

In my life I had 2, New Model 3s converted to .22 LR. I sold one and kept the other. Of those, they seemed to have been made from a .32-44 and / or a .38/44 ... the .32-44 makes more sense as the ammo went the way of the dinosaur rapidly.

What is the SN ? ( or SN range xx the last 2 if you'd like )

See here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/swca-me...ighlight=Model

it shoots like a tack driver.

My serial # is 258XX. I wasn't allowed onto the link to your gun. I think that happened the first time we talked about my gun and you brought your's up. When was mine made?

model3sw · #7 01-20-2017, 12:16 AM

Copied from my old the member's side from 4/12/14. I didn't realize you couldn't see it so here goes:

New Model 3 Target in .22 LR

I found this about 20 years ago. It is not near the nicest nor best but is IS a New Model 3 Target with .22LR conversion pro sleeved with perfect, tight lock up, latch, hinge, index etc. Being a mechanic most of my life, arguing for 40 years with fellow collectors on antique firearms. Flayderman's had once indicated mechanical function had no variance on value of antique firearms (or something like that)... I strongly disagree. I also realize collectors value as an antique or originality are gone, but, it is still a beauty in 2 ways. It is still at NM3 Target, and it IS a mechanical marvel. It was converted from either a .32-44 or .38-44 target many years ago. It is apparent that while this the conversion functions is excellent, the fine details for finishing cylinder face and muzzle were sacrificed. I could only imagine that this conversion likely cost as much or more than a new revolver thus the fine blend in finish details were sacrificed. The finish seems original, the muzzle and other sleeved / machined-in areas were "blacked" on the raw ends. I have owned it for at least 20 years and just fired it today for the very first time. I started at 15 feet, just to get a feel then after 10 shots I cranked it out to 50 feet with no difference in accuracy. I had nothing more to prove with a big smirk on my face while my buddy next to me is firing his polymer plastic .22 target. I did use match ammo. I had only wondered about the accuracy of gunsmith work. I examined it very closely ... a PRO mechanical job but would it be accurate? Question answered today.

Jingles · #8 01-20-2017, 12:17 AM

How'd he get the hammer to strike the rim instead of the center of the round? I wish he was still around so he could do the same to my 32-44 since, as mentioned above, ammo is made from unobtanium.

model3sw · #9 01-20-2017, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jingles

How'd he get the hammer to strike the rim instead of the center of the round? I wish he was still around so he could do the same to my 32-44 since, as mentioned above, ammo is made from unobtanium.

Check the photo I posted with the hammer pulled back.

Wyatt Burp · #10 01-20-2017, 01:02 AM

Here's the firing pin on mine. I assumed it was removed and reversed to hit off center. Was it? Funny how it's different than yours but they both work perfectly. I get impact on the rim just like any other .22. Is mine from around 1893 or so? That date rings a bell last time I posted the gun, serial # 258XX. Your's is in really great shape. Mine too, but more wear. Except for my muzzle extention they would be a good pair.

model3sw · #11 01-20-2017, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wyatt Burp

Here's the firing pin on mine. I assumed it was removed and reversed to hit off center. Was it? Funny how it's different than yours but they both work perfectly. I get impact on the rim just like any other .22. Is mine from around 1893 or so? That date rings a bell last time I posted the gun, serial # 258XX. Your's is in really great shape. Mine too, but more wear. Except for my muzzle extention they would be a good pair.

Does your firing pin appear as though it had been cut off, then rewelded bac on ? Mine looks as though it wsa just trimmed to a curve with the tip flattened to hit like a wedge. Look at the hole in the flash plate, too. Look at my pix, Copy the pictures to a file on your computer then use one of your photo programs to enlarge the photos.

Wyatt Burp · #12 01-20-2017, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by model3sw

Does your firing pin appear as though it had been cut off, then rewelded bac on ? Mine looks as though it wsa just trimmed to a curve with the tip flattened to hit like a wedge. Look at the hole in the flash plate, too. Look at my pix, Copy the pictures to a file on your computer then use one of your photo programs to enlarge the photos.

I just took a real close look with a magnifying glass and the firing pin shows no signs whatsover of a weld. It is perfectly clean all the way around where the base of the pin meets the hammer and no discoloration at all. I assumed it was taken off and rewelded but guess not. My firing pin hole inside the frame is similiar to yours with the round plate with hole in it, except the hole for the pin is on top, and there are tiny ping marks around the edge of the plate to secure it in place. Looks like both our firing pins were modified somehow but in different directions. Amazing.

Tom K · #13 01-20-2017, 11:08 AM

Here's my Model 3 .22, except it has been converted to single shot. Great workmanship.

Tulsa gun show haul - Nov 2011

model3sw · #14 01-20-2017, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K

Here's my Model 3 .22, except it has been converted to single shot. Great workmanship.

Tulsa gun show haul - Nov 2011

NICE work and quality craftsmanship it seems. Unusual machining on top strap. Must give you a quick line of sight easily.

I've heard about a few like this but had only seen one other Model 3 to single shot conversion before this one. Thanks for sharing.