Refinished number 3

[2flasargent]

Don't know alot about Smith and Wesson Number 3's, but was presented with an interesting example at a store. Double action only,44 caliber, which specifically I don't know. Serial on the butt is 5xxx. It had been refinished in what looked like powder coat, but a nice smooth job. It appeared to function fine and the barrel had light pitting with good rifling. Any idea what it was from this poor description?? Also any idea of value, since it was refinished? All info is appreciated.
Respects.

 

[glowe]

These revolvers in 44 Russian are simply named 44 Double Action, First Model, but are also called New Model Navy. The 44-40 is called 44 Double Action, Frontier. Check the length of the cylinder, and if 1 7/16", it is a 44 Russian. The 44-40 cylinders were 1 9/16" long, BUT some revolvers with the longer cylinder were also chambered in 44 Russian. That was usually done with later serial numbered guns, but some have been found interspersed with earlier guns. If it has a long cylinder, measure the chamber to the step and if around 1.30" it is a 44-40. If around 1", it is a 44 Russian. Shipping dates on these revolvers do not follow the serial numbering and yours can only be estimated at somewhere around early 1880s for the 44 Russian caliber and mid-1890s for the 44-40, since each model had its own serial number range starting with "1".

As for value, they are attractive guns for cowboy action shooters, so that is probably why it was recently refinished. The values for a refinished fully functioning 44 DA would start at $650 today and maybe slightly more.

 

[mmaher94087]

"Double action only". Something is wrong internally. S&W did not make these in DAO. Parts are almost impossible to find and very expensive to buy or make. The 'powder coat' and internal problem reduces the value substantially in my book. I'd give the shop $150 as I need a double action mainspring.

 

[opoefc]

Mike, I think the poster has incorrectly called a New Model #3 Double Action a "Model 3" and Gary's post covers the situation, except I think he might be a little high on his value estimate for a powder coat gun. Ed.

 

[mmaher94087]

Hi Ed, I agree. I disagree with the term "Double action only". I still need a mainspring; been looking for two years.

 

[glowe]

Hi Ed, I agree. I disagree with the term "Double action only". I still need a mainspring; been looking for two years.

I am not sure how conversant the OP is on antique hog-leg S&Ws, so he may not mean what he posted?? I am sure he will clear it up.

Here's is my take on the value on 44 DAs - I have not seen a working example of this model sell for less than $500 at online auctions for some time, and if there is a $150 44 DA for sale out there, working or not, I would sure like to see it. Without seeing what the finish looks like, it is very difficult to put an accurate value on any antique revolver, so we are all guessing at this point. Pictures please.

 

[2flasargent]

Got my curiosity going, and fortunately the piggy bank was built up enough. got the pistol for $500 today out the door. box of twenty 44 russian to go with it for another $35. Seems tight as a tick, but it is certainly double action only as it now is. My great respects to the original response, the cylinder miked at 1.417 inches, and it's number matches the gun butt (505x) The ridge in the cylinder is at .854. I was wrong about the powder coat, it looks like a very nice even blue in daylight. The screws are not buggered, and I don't see signs of pitting under the blue. Doubt if at this age it is original finish, but it's a good one. Sorry about the closeup of the rib, last patent date appears to be 1880.

Please excuse my lack of knowledge. I appreciate all input.

 

[glowe]

That was a bargain gun at $500. All edges are sharp, metal is unpitted, stocks are very good and foe the life of me, I want to say original finish, BUT it is very unlikely. If it is a refinish, it is a very nice job.

I cannot quite tell if the trigger and hammer are matching blue or case colored?? If blued, it would indicate a refinish.

 

[2flasargent]

Trigger and hammer are matching blued. Bore cleaned up with very minor pitting.

 

[mmaher94087]

It is a nice old Smith and would be fun to shoot. It has been refinished at some point in its life as witnessed by the flat hammer stud and top-latch screw but I don't think that it has been powder coated. Both stud and screw were rounded from the factory; hammer and trigger were case colored; trigger guard was blue. Still, a nice revolver that would be fun to shoot.

 

[opoefc]

As noted above, the gun has been refinished at some time in it's history and has either a worn sear , sear spring or hammer notch, that keeps it from holding on full cock for single action shooting. A thorough cleaning of the action's crud and dirt accumulation may go a long way in improving the functioning. $500 is a fair price for what it is. Ed.

 

[ghp45]

Remove the side plate. Watch how the sear and hammer notch mate up when cocking for single action. You will see that one, or both, are worn. A gunsmith can probably fix the problem if they are not too badly worn.

Gary

 

[2flasargent]

Deeply appreciative of all the information and interest. My understanding is that I have a "44 double action first model". Serial putting it as manufactured in the early 1880's. Taking off the side plate showed the hammer has no rear notch at all, barely a nick in it at the place a cocking notch should be. I gather it was intentionally changed to double action only. the action was clean and lightly oiled when I opened it. I took it to my backyard range with the few rounds I have. It effectively had a two stage trigger like my new departure - it rotates the cylinder into battery, there is a definite change in resistance and it fires double action. It actually works well to get a sight picture. Only problem right now is that one chamber doesn't always fire. Strangely the primer strike seems lighter than the other chambers. Until I get it investigated no problem since I can only load 5 anyway. On all 6 the primer strike seems centered and there were no bad indications of problems. At about 15 yards I got a group 3" high and slightly right about 4" in diameter off hand. Replies have invaluable in appreciating this gun.

 

[2flasargent]

BTW noted this site for S&W parts: Smith and Wesson Revolver Parts

they listed a mainspring

 

[mmaher94087]

2flasargent, thanks for the tip. I tried their email in the past and got no response. Cyber Space? I'll call them this time.

 

[isaactc]

I am certainly not a collector, but as an amateur, I would be thrilled to find a revolver like that for that price. Good job!