NM3 in 32-44 with Shoulder Stock

[Boulder350]

Does anyone know why shoulder stocks were installed on the 32-44 target revolvers? Why this would be an option on a gun with a cartridge specifically designed for target shooting doesn't make sense to me. I just bought an NM3 chambered in 32-44 that has a grove cut in the bottom of the frame that I would assume is for a shoulder stock. It also has a hole in the bottom for a lanyard ring which is another puzzle. It may have been a factory lanyard ring because the serial number is cross ways on the bottom of the gun. I did not take the picture and I don't have the gun yet so I can't take a picture that isn't on a weird angle.

Also are attached a few other pictures of New Model 3's that have stocks on them and are chambered in 32-44. Was there another use for this cartridge besides target shooting?

 

[rct269]

You got it right the first time--it's pretty much of a pip-squeak.

The standard loads were 11 grains of powder (fff) behind an 83 grain round nose bullet, and for the gallery load, 6 grains of powder with a 50 grain round ball.

Now the last NM #3 Target (#3914, and lettered as such) that came to live here for a spell used 40 grains of powder, 180 grain bullet (at 1160 fps at the muzzle)-------as in "38 WINCHESTER CTG" stamped right on the barrel.

That gives a whole new meaning to the term ROCK & ROLL---a shoulder stock would probably be a good idea with that sucker!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[BMur]

Accuracy test

I remember reading about accuracy tests being performed with target calibers using the shoulder stock. Now if I can only remember where I put that info? The shoulder stock basically removes the Human Error in the equation at the firing line. The tests recorded results up to 100 yards. I believe the 44 Russian was the winner.

Murph

 

[mmaher94087]

Mark, I'm curious. The slot shown is the 'long' slot normally found on the Revolving Rifle. The next photo shows a 'short' style shoulder stock attached which is found on the NM #3's. The long slot is cut through the serial number. Is the SN restamped on the left frame under the stocks as was done by the factory? I believe that the revolver originally had the lanyard ring based upon the sideways SN but I'm very skeptical about the shoulder stock slot being factory.
I'd like to find a BLUE NM #3 that is factory cut for the short style shoulder stock. These seem scarce in this area.

 

[first-model]

I believe that the revolver originally had the lanyard ring based upon the sideways SN but I'm very skeptical about the shoulder stock slot being factory.

This was my first impression as well. Nothing about that cut in the grip butt looks factory to me.

Mike

 

[Boulder350]

I agree guys, the slot for what I think was a shoulder stock does not look factory. Its way to rough. If it is cut for a shoulder stock I don't know what the other point of contact to lock in the stock is since there is no hole in the back strap for the typical connection. I too have a shoulder stock in the box that I'm looking for a factory cut for stock gun. Mine is in nickel finish.

Bought this as a shooter gun since I picked it up for $900.77. It has ivory front and rear sights which are uncommon.

 

[BMur]

Shoulder stocks

Shoulder stocks though kind of hard to find today, we're common in the late 19th century.
They really do turn a pistol into a medium range rifle. 100 yard pattern shooting becomes easy with a pistol having a shoulder stock attached. The huge advantage over a rifle being both weight reduction and dual purpose. After about 10 miles hiking that old long barrel rifle is quite heavy.
I suspect this was an alteration that was never completed. Like so many projects that are started but never finished.

Murph

 

[Boulder350]

The gun arrived today. It is much better shape than I was expecting. There is a serial number on the side of the frame, 18,33x. No date stamp can be seen where it went back to the factory. There is a serial number scratched on the right grip and its a different than the other 2. The grips don't have the factory fit but are in the same shape as the gun. The finish on the barrel and frame is worn identical and it looks like a factory finish. The barrel, cylinder, and latch serial number 282x match along with the first and the last numbers on the bottom of the frame. It is cut for a shoulder stock and has the hole in the back of the frame.

Very happy with the purchase.