Questions about a 1st Model American

[shown50]

I bought this Model 3 American(Serial 4825) off GB the other night.
It doesn’t have much, if any finish left.
The barrel has been cut right before the Pat. JULY 10 60 date, and has a silver front sight.
All the assembly numbers(#34) match.
The stocks aren’t numbered.
The extractor catch(not sure what it’s called) has been broken off and/or filed down.
The action works and lock up is tight. The barrel to frame fit is still solid. The trigger pull is lighter and crisper than expected.
The ejector works empty(no ammo to test with).
This is my first time owning a Model 3 American and I’ve got a couple questions.

Did the assembly numbers start over for every batch of guns?

What length barrel would this have been cut from?

Are the side plate screws flat on these models?

Has anyone lettered a gun close to this serial, and did they have records for where it shipped to originally?

Any other thoughts or comments? I paid just under $1000 after fees+shipping.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

There doesn't seems to be any rhyme or reason for assignment of assembly
numbers.

The standard barrel length was 8 inches but shorter lengths were available by
request.

The screws used were a fillister head type (with a domed head). The side plate
screws were a special thread that you will not find commercially. See pic.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[shown50]

Hi There,

There seems to be any rhyme or reason for assignment of assembly numbers.

The standard barrel length was 8 inches but shorter lengths were available by
request.

The screws used were a fillister head type (with a domed head). The side plate
screws were a special thread that you will not find commercially. See pic.

Cheers!
Webb

Thanks for the reply! I think there’s a few replaced screws on my gun. The side plate screws are flat heads and the hinge pin screw is wrong as well.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Well, you've got to expect a few screws would have been
lost and replace in the last 150 years; especially when these
were 'working guns.' One of the criticisms the No. 3 suffered
was the proliferation of small, easily lost parts.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[shown50]

Hi There,

Well, you've got to expect a few screws would have been
lost and replace in the last 150 years; especially when these
were 'working guns.' One of the criticisms the No. 3 suffered
was the proliferation of small, easily lost parts.

Cheers!
Webb

I’m surprised it functions correctly with all the wear. I was hoping you’d chime in as I see you’ve bought a couple of these. Do you have any recommendations on repairing the ejector part that was filed down? Is it even worth it since it ejects properly(atleast empty).

 

[glowe]

That is one rough barrel shortening job! Looks like it was sawed off with a chainsaw. Also, a major grinding job was done on the ratchet pawl in front of the trigger. That part was to allow the cylinder to be opened without the ejector star moving rearward. Opening the gun will pull up the cases as well as the cartridges with the intended purpose of only ejecting the spent cases. As it often happens, good ammo will also fall out if not done just right. Opening a full gun while pushing back on the ratchet pawl allows the gun to be opened without ejection. My only guess is that maybe the pawl caught on the holster??

Almost all Model 3 Americans were 8" barrels and shipped to distributors like MW Robinson and almost never directly to an individual.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

I've never seen an extractor pawl file down like that. I don't
know what your skill set is but the only ways I see to repair
it is to either weld it up and re-file to shape or replace it with
another one. I don't know where you would find one unless
you make one.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[iby]

My 1st model American about 1000 numbers lower shipped in june 1871

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

If you are interested in learning more about the No. 3 American Model, I
recommend getting a copy of Smith & Wesson American Model In U.S. and
Foreign Service by Charles Pate. Very detailed study.

Cheers,
Webb

 

[shown50]

That is one rough barrel shortening job! Looks like it was sawed off with a chainsaw. Also, a major grinding job was done on the ratchet pawl in front of the trigger. That part was to allow the cylinder to be opened without the ejector star moving rearward. Opening the gun will pull up the cases as well as the cartridges with the intended purpose of only ejecting the spent cases. As it often happens, good ammo will also fall out if not done just right. Opening a full gun while pushing back on the ratchet pawl allows the gun to be opened without ejection. My only guess is that maybe the pawl caught on the holster??

Almost all Model 3 Americans were 8" barrels and shipped to distributors like MW Robinson and almost never directly to an individual.

View attachment 774555

It’s far from nice that’s for sure! Here’s a picture with a straight edge. I don’t think one area of the cut is straight. Thanks for the explanation on the ratchet pawl and the diagram that helps a ton.

 

[shown50]

Hi There,

I've never seen an extractor pawl file down like that. I don't
know what your skill set is but the only ways I see to repair
it is to either weld it up and re-file to shape or replace it with
another one. I don't know where you would find one unless
you make one.

Cheers!
Webb

My skill set is limited. I’ve made a couple mainsprings but that’s about it. Im debating on ordering some new files and trying my hand at making the ratchet pawl. I won’t be able to fix the file marks on the frame but I’m not too worried about that.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Do you have access to a metal lathe?

Cheers!
Webb