Old revolver caliber?

[Smitty Western]

So like most I inherited this revolver. It's in kind of rough shape but appears to be functioning (cylinder synced, lines up, trigger pulls easy and hammer locks back when used as SA. Next step, aside from oiling everything is to test fire but problem is I can't find the caliber anywhere on the pistol. I've done my homework and it appears that it could be one of two but I want to make sure before I order ammunition that due to (Fed Law) cannot be returned or so website says.

specs: 5" barrel
6 shot
Double Action
Top break - automatic ejector
fixed sights
strainer screw (low front of grips)
serial #38945 on butt and cylinder

I see these all over the internet and hope it's the .44 Russian as ammo is available and somewhat affordable. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thxs!

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Most of these large frame Double Actions were in .44 Russian. If you can accurately measure the bore diameter at .429" that would be a good indication. If you have a cylinder with untapered charge holes and a .44 Special or Magnum case or round and it fits but does not seat fully, more evidence.

 

[reddog81]

It's hard to tell the size of the gun based on that picture. I'd guess it's a 32 S&W double action or of 38 S&W double action.
That gun looks pretty small from what I can tell.
Do you have access to any 38 special ammo? If the 38 special ammo is a close fit and makes it half way into the cylinder it's a 38 S&W. If the 38 special is too big its a 32 S&W. if the 38 special is too small in diameter it's a 44.
Do not try and fire 38 special in this gun. I offer this advice to help determine the size of the cylinder chambers.

 

[Smitty Western]

Thanks Alan, unfortunately only 9mm, .380 and .40's laying around although I do have a box of S&W .32 98gr but no idea if that pistol is anywhere around. The cylinder length is maybe a hair over 1 3/8" the distance across the chamber is 16/32 - I know not very accurate. Additionally, there are "ridges" or "shoulders" I think i've heard them called a little over halfway down inside each chamber. Not sure if that's helpful or not?

 

[murphydog]

I first saw your photo on my tiny phone screen; with a better/larger view I still think it is a model 3 DA, as the .32 and .38 Double Actions were both 5 shot and this has a 6 shot cylinder, and your length measurement is consistent with the larger gun.

If the charge holes are straight (not tapered toward the front) and it has chamber shoulders it fits with a .44 Russian. Any guess at the bore diameter?

 

[opoefc]

Welcome to the Forum. Your gun appears to be a New Model No. 3 Double Action in caliber .44 Russian. Since you didn't put anything in the photo for comparison to estimate size ( like a tape measure or dollar bill ) I'm going with your statement that you hope it's a .44 Russian. The .32 Double Action looks identical in a photo but is a much smaller gun. This model was also made in caliber 44-40 but if so, would have a longer cylinder than the gun in your photo. Why not take the gun to a gunsmith or good gun store and ask them what is the correct caliber/ammo. for the gun ? Ed.

 

[Smitty Western]

Thanks as well Reddog. Definitely not a .32 way to large of a bore, my thoughts were possibly a .38 but I was hoping for something a little larger with all the accolades i've read about .44 cowboy loads. I haven't had a revolver in years and (owned a Ruger Redhawk) and only recently got back into shooting to my dismay at the cost of ammo.

 

[deadin]

Here's a quick example of the size difference between a 44/40 (or 44 Russian), 38 S&W and a32 S&W.

 

[reddog81]

You guys are probably correct. 6 six shots with a 5 inch barrel would not be a 32 or 38.
I was guessing the barrel was closer to to 3 or 4 inches based on the picture. I should gave re-read the original description after looking at the picture.
Hopefully it is a 44 Russian. Congratulations if it is.

 

[Smitty Western]

Here's one of the cylinder, the pistol is right about 10" overall from edge of butt to tip of the barrel.

 

[Smitty Western]

Thanks for all the input everyone. Maybe i'll put some more pic's up later!

 

[glowe]

Dean's picture gives you the answer. Look closely at the hammer spur. All three calibers are different. The NM3 is the only one that is a match. The short cylinder should measure 1 7/16" and will make it a 44 Russian. 44 Russian ammo is available in cowboy loads, but is sometimes hard to find. Most likely you will have find it online.

 

[Smitty Western]

I figured it was going to come down trial and error (not really, i'm not a complete amateur). I was thinking about trying to get the history on it but started thinking that $30 could go toward ammo, besides I like a little mystery, and I can always make up some BS story for my friends! Got a couple of extra pics for anyone interested. This is my first go round on any kind of chat forum and I feel right at home. Thanks again!

 

[deadin]

From what I can see in the first two pictures you are going to need a hammer spring before it will shoot.

 

[glowe]

. . . I can always make up some BS story for my friends! . . .

I think Virgil Earp was reported to own a New Model 3 DA. Maybe yours was at the OK Corral??

 

[Smitty Western]

I just removed the grips for cleaning/oiling. The hammer cocks and drops just fine. I think those two metal strips in the handle are the springs but luckily they are not compromised.

 

[murphydog]

Another tip, if you can measure the distance from the rear cylinder face up to the edge of the internal chamber shoulder and it is just slightly under an inch, it is most likely a .44 Russian (case length 0.970", counting the rim).

 

[deadin]

The easiest way to determine if it is a .44 Russian is to measure the cylinder length and check the serial number.
If the cylinder is 1 7/16th it's a .44 Russian
If the cylinder is 1 9/16th AND the serial is greater than 15,340, it is a .44 Russian.
(1 9/16th and the serial is 1 - 15,340 it is a 44/40, unless it is a 38/40 which should be fairly obvious....)

All this with the understanding that sometimes S&W did some strange. undocumented things......