I am thinking about shooting a S&W No. 3 New Model(Australian) that I recently acquired. It appears to be in excellent mechanical condition but I worry about pressures as the gun was made in 1881. I have a box of Ultramax 44 Russian ammo. Can this be used safely in this old Smith? Thanks.
Ammo for a S&W No. 3 New Model
- Thread starter lawlor2
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I am thinking about shooting a S&W No. 3 New Model(Australian) that I recently acquired. It appears to be in excellent mechanical condition but I worry about pressures as the gun was made in 1881. I have a box of Ultramax 44 Russian ammo. Can this be used safely in this old Smith? Thanks.
deadin
US Veteran
The gun was made for black powder. As said before, some feel that a low pressure smokeless load should be OK. I don't know if Ultramax is low pressure or not, but I wouldn't shoot anything other than BP in it.
To quote Mike Priwer:
To quote Mike Priwer:
cgt4570
Member
Shooting a few light cowboy rounds sparingly isn't going to blow the gun up. Shooting a lot of them will eventually stretch the frame and cause it to get loose. I've put a few through my NM #3 and my 44DA with no ill effects. If I'm going to shoot more than a cylinder full, I use BP.
That said, both of mine are shooter grade. If you Australian is a really nice one with a shoulder stock, then you might not want to even take slight risks with it.
Chris
That said, both of mine are shooter grade. If you Australian is a really nice one with a shoulder stock, then you might not want to even take slight risks with it.
Chris
Gents, thanks for the advice. In the end, it seems that I should leave the Australian at home when I go to the range. To Chris: the gun is very nice but unfortunately does not have the shoulder stock. I hope to find one some day.
opoefc
US Veteran
Lawlor2, Check with David Carroll at [email protected] He usually has some shoulder stocks for a NM#3. Tell him Uncle Ed sent you and ask for the Forum member discount!
