New Model 3 Question

[cd4dallas]

I'm not an experienced Smith & Wesson collector and I'm not sure what I have. I think it's a new model 3 with target sights. The serial number is in the 245XX range. The front sight blade is adjustable with a little wheel. Can anyone provide any insight regarding what it is and maybe an approximate value. Thanks, Chris

 

[amazingflapjack]

What caliber?

 

[cd4dallas]

I think it's 44 Russian. The rear sight blade is not mounted in the rear sight, but I have it. It appears to have a high percentage or original blue. Maybe 95%.

 

[glowe]

Most all these guns were in 44 Russian, but there were several different calibers made. Value is dictated by condition and originality and there are several potential issues that can not be answered with that small picture. It appears that the front sight is modified and can't tell if the rear sight is orignal or not. I am only guessing that there is a possibility of a refinish. The hammer looks blued and the surface on the frame appears uneven, plus the blue color does not look right, but can not tell without large and detailed pictures.

 

[opoefc]

I agree with Gary - it's a reblued gun, but well done. The front sight is an after market embellishment, but interesting. Are all the numbers matching, on the latch barrel, grips, cylinder and butt ? Ed.

 

[cd4dallas]

I'll try to get some better pictures. All the numbers match and the gun is very tight with perfect timing, etc. The blue in the picture looks funny - the actual gun does not look like that. The rear sight looks exactly like ones I've seen pictures of. Thanks for the assistance. Chris