S&W 44 Russian

[gunnertwo]

Seeking info on this 44 Russian, dated 1874 on the butt. I think nickel finish is original. The cylinder has a different set of 3 numbers, is this mis-matched or are these assembly numbers? The gun is tight and locks up solid. My first of the type and age. I'm contemplating a letter but if it only shows shipping date I'm not sure if it's worth the price. Appreciate any comments. Thanks.

G2

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! You have a .44 Russian, 3rd Model, Commercial variation that likely shipped to Schuyler Hartley & Graham. Sometimes, their initials <SH> are stamped next to the 1874 in a diamond. The nickel finish may have been applied by SH and it appears to not have been refinished since then. Congratulations!

 

[mmaher94087]

Carefully remove the stocks. The "different set of 3 numbers" is likely stamped on the left frame and should match the numbers on the cylinder. These are assembly numbers. The latch and barrel should have the same numbers.

 

[gunnertwo]

Many thanks for the information. I'll update the thread after I follow your advice. Thanks!

G2

 

[Exmilcop]

Nice find!

 

[glowe]

~!

Carefully remove the stocks. The "different set of 3 numbers" is likely stamped on the left frame and should match the numbers on the cylinder. These are assembly numbers, but . The latch and barrel should have the same numbers.

Mine had the assembly number on the right side of the frame as the picture shows. Having serial number 51,682, that was near the end of the serial number run that was 52,500. Great revolvers if your hand is large enough to cock the hammer with one hand. One needs a long thumb!

 

[opoefc]

Nice example, however it's probably not worth a letter as it's almost 100%that it's dealer shipped. Ed

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Great revolvers if your hand is large enough to cock the hammer with one hand. One needs a long thumb!]

I have a pair of Uberti reproductions. It is against SASS safety rules, but point the revolver straight up and a medium sized hand's thumb easily reaches the hammer. When you pull the trigger for an already cocked revolver the gun will recoil into the upright position very naturally. Place you thumb on the hammer and allow gravity to pull the barrel down and that will allow the hammer to be cocked easily! With a pair, the rate of alternating fire is about 12 shots in 10 to 15 seconds for point blank targets.

Even with it being a top break and speed loaders, it takes over 2 to 3 times that long to reload!

Ivan

 

[mmaher94087]

Most folks try to shoot the revolver with the middle finger on the spur of the trigger guard. That spur is not a finger rest, but it is a Sash Hook from when these revolvers were made and sold to Russia in the 1800's. The Cossacks of the time did not have belts but had cloth sashes around their waists and therefore could not strap on a holster. The revolver was stuck down between the sash and the pants and was held by the sash and sash hook on the trigger guard.