New gun to me, good mechanics and good bore. .44 Russian caliber. Want to clean up the lock work, does the screw in the middle of the side plate holding the side plate on the gun? Any hints on disassembly would be appreciated .
New model #3
- Thread starter paul s
- Start date
You might want to get Chicoine's book on [ame]https://www.amazon.com/Antique-Firearms-Assembly-Disassembly-comprehensive/dp/0873497678[/ame].
mmaher94087
Member
Before you mess with the revolver, I'd suggest getting a letter on it as it's a 4" barrel, appears to have a checkered trigger and a Lyman sight. If messed with, the value may drop especially if it is collectible. It may have been the property of a famous target shooter. At best; carefully remove the grips and liberally spray the innards with Breakfree and re-lube with RemOil.
opoefc
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
Pay close attention to above advice. You have a very unusual NM#3 that could lose considerable value if inexpertly handled. Letter it , by all means, value can triple overnight if the special features seen are factory. More photos for all angles are needed, with & with out the stocks on the gun. Ed
Yes, the Screw you mention holds the Side Plate in place.
This screw can be quite tight, and one has to have proper 'perfect' fit, hollow ground Gunsmith Screwdrivers to remove or install it.
Once the Screw is out, remove the Stocks, support the Barrel Cylinder and lower Frame Group ( or remove the Cylinder and support the Barrel and lower Frame group ) in one Hand, and lightly tap the bare Grip Frame with a small plastic Mallet or an elongate Wood block, and allow inertia to 'walk' the Side plate up and out.
The Side Plate is thick, and fits snugly, and one must never pry it up at any point, only allow inertia to walk it up from lightly tapping the bare Grip Frame while firmly supporting the rest of the Revolver in the other Hand, and let inertia walk it out so it can be lifted away with the fingers.
Mechanism requires special Punches and Tools and Spring Clamps and one best not mess with it beyond spraying in some Aerosol Brake Cleaner or Electrical Contact Cleaner to dissolve away old tired or oxidized or gummy Lube, let dry well, and apply fresh appropriate kind of Oil.
Side Plate is installed by careful alignment and pressing it in with your fingers....once all the way in, the Screw may be put back.
The Screw must not be used to try and achieve full depth of fit...as full depth of fit of the Side Plate needs to be done by evenly pressing it all the way back in with your Fingers...so the Screw merely hold is in place, for it already being all the way "in" place.
These are a whole other Ballgame from the Mechanisms of the later N Frames...even if Side Plate Logic is the same.
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You have yourself a beautiful example of the Model, please follow the expert advise mentioned above. It is truly sad to come across one of these old jewels that although in excellent mechanical condition have been handled by someone with a tire-iron and hammer.
Cut barrel?
I certainly hope you guys are right about the barrel length being factory.
I’m not seeing it though. No pin and a very flat looking muzzle from the side photo. The front sight also looks a little High and tilted. Doesn’t make sense to me that the rear sight would be a standard sight also. I would think the rear sight would be a target sight as well.
Sorry, I’m not trying to rain on anybody’s parade but I’m just not seeing it.
Murph
I certainly hope you guys are right about the barrel length being factory.
I’m not seeing it though. No pin and a very flat looking muzzle from the side photo. The front sight also looks a little High and tilted. Doesn’t make sense to me that the rear sight would be a standard sight also. I would think the rear sight would be a target sight as well.
Sorry, I’m not trying to rain on anybody’s parade but I’m just not seeing it.
Murph
I am curious about this also, and if we may have some images from 'paul s' of the Barrel Top Texts, and of the Muzzle end, it may help decide the question.
Some NM3s did special Order with ordinary Service Model Rear Sight, but with a Target type Front Sight, so that is possible, if of course fairly seldom seen.
P.S.
Good eye there about the 'Pin'...
Looks like there is a Front Sight Pin, but it seems to be through the Rib, rather then to be below in the hollow...so...( this would I think suggest we are indeed looking at a Barrel which was shortened after leaving the Factory ).
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mmaher94087
Member
I'm tending to lean towards the cut barrel also. The above posts have pointed out items that I overlooked like the front sight pin location. A further review also makes me suspicious as the left side seems to show flattened pins and a flattened hammer stud (reblue). I am, however, intrigued by the checked trigger as that was not common. Also, all three screws hold the sideplate and all three need to be removed prior to dislodging the sideplate. More photos please.
