S&W 44 Russian

[rexchapman]

Can anyone help me identify my .44 Russian? trying to figure out manufacture date on it and any other info i can get. It was given to my grandpa when he was a kid, and he gave it to me. Serial number is 18991. Top break

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,


You have a No. 3 DA (Double Action) First Model. These were
made in .44 Russian caliber. There was a model made in .44-40
but these will have a longer cylinder (and the top and bottom
straps were lengthen too). These were usually marked on the
left side of the barrel with the caliber.

The .44 Russian is a very accurate round. Most professional
target shooters used firearms in .44 Russian in the late 19th
Century.

The .44 Russian was the grandfather of the .44 S&W Magnum
(.44 Russian was lengthen in the early smokeless period and
became the .44 Special. Later the .44 Special was hot-rodded
and lengthen to become the .44 S&W Magnum).


Cheers!
Webb

 

[Model19man]

Can anyone help me identify my .44 Russian? trying to figure out manufacture date on it and any other info i can get. It was given to my grandpa when he was a kid, and he gave it to me. Serial number is 18991. Top break

Roy says all the frames were made before 1898 so they are an antique. Shipping date is a totally different matter.

 

[iby]

I THINK THERE WERE 50,000 MADE SO YOURS IS LIKELY FROM THE 1880'S

 

[rexchapman]

Thank you all for your help. one more question. Is it supposed to be double action only? And roughly whats it worth? Not really looking to sell just curious.

 

[Exmilcop]

Thank you all for your help. one more question. Is it supposed to be double action only? And roughly whats it worth? Not really looking to sell just curious.

It should be single and double action with a very fine half cock when you pull the hammer back very slightly, about 1/8" or so. If you have no single action mode, then something is either worn away or been modified at some point. If it's a factory 4" barrel, then that's one of the more scarce models. No doubt some of the real experts will chime in but from what I've learned off this site, I think I got it correct.

 

[rexchapman]

The hammer doesnt stay back at all. Im told my a gunsmith that everything appears to be fine and correct on the inside and it looks like its supposed to be double action only

 

[mmaher94087]

The hammer should stay back in single action. I suspect the "rear sear" and/or the hammer sear are damaged. Replacement parts are almost nonexistent and are not being repro'd. Do not file those two parts as it will only make things worse.

For parts, the best bet is to find a working .44 Russian, 1st Model Double Action to use for parts. Check Gun Parts Corp. and eBay etc.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,


As you have already been informed, these were both double ac-
tion and single action. Without being able to observe the lock
work, the most likely problem is with the rear sear (the single
action sear) and/or the notch the rear sear engages.

I have not worked on the .44 DA but I have worked on its little
brother, the .38 DA and a good smith can either build up the
damaged part or re-forge the part.

Try Jack First Gun Parts. They have a few parts for .44 DA 1st
model (they list a rear sear and you can give them a call).


Cheers!
Webb