First Model 44 DA question

[Dartshark]

Hello folks,

A friend of mine forwarded some pictures of a revolver that he had picked up. He was hoping I could help him identify it.
I believe it is a First Model 44 DA. I don't have the gun but I'm uploading the pics in the hope that some of you knowledgeable folks can tell me if I'm correct or not and anything else that might be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[Boulder350]

Looks like a very early 44 double action first model in 44 Russian. The 44 Russian came with a 1 7/16" long cylinder. There is a larger step in your chamber that is typical for this cartridge. They were made from 1881 to 1913 with 54,668 units made.

If by chance it has a 1 9/16" cylinder it would be a different model. Those were chambered for 44-40 or 38-40. Here is a picture of one in 44-40. Notice how the cylinder flutes are longer than half the cylinder. Your flutes appear to be about 1/2 the cylinder in length which indicates a 44 Russian gun.

Sometimes the camera and computer make things look longer or shorter so its best to measure the length of the cylinder to be sure.

 

[mmaher94087]

You are correct. It is .44 Russian caliber and a very early serial number.

 

[glowe]

Get a picture looking down the chambers of the cylinder and compare to the one below

I just checked my 44 Russian chamber and it clearly shows a single ring.

 

[Dartshark]

I had him measure the cyl and he said it was 1 3/8 inchs
So would I be correct in assuming it was probably made in 1881 due to the 3 digit serial number?

 

[glowe]

If the cylinder is less than 1 1/2" it cannot be a 44-40, BUT some people cannot measure so a look through the cylinder from the rear will tell us for sure.

 

[Dartshark]

Thank you all for the help.
He said it doesn't work and was thinking of sending it in to S&W to have them repair it. Do they work on that old of a pistol?

 

[mmaher94087]

"Do they work on that old of a pistol?" They do not. Finding a competent gunsmith for these older smith's is difficult.