Smith & Wesson 3th model Russian

[Thuer]

I am very happy with this fine revolver. Just get it in from a very good friend of mine. A 3th model Russian made in 1874 with number 80x. The condition is great. Exept, the mainspring has a broken claw. One claw is broken off. It is an old fracture. I have looked around. But it is difficult to get a replacement mainspring. I am not planning to shoot with it. The bore and cilinderchambers are like new.

 

[glowe]

Very nice Russian you found! Is it a contract gun or commercial? You are lucky to have the spring, since with it, you should have no problem having a new one made. I know machinists in the US would make short work of this relatively simple part. Certainly worth replacing the old one before the claw breaks off.

 

[NewDeparture]

Very nice find. Could you please post some pictures of barrel markings? As Gary mentioned, it would help to determine if it is a contract or commercial variation.

Thanks,
Newdeparture

 

[Thuer]

It is a commercial variation. Do not have time to make any pic. Have to go to work. But is marked Smith and Wesson Springfield. Nice thing is on the but there is also the date of manufacture 1874

 

[glowe]

i think all 3rd Model Russian commercial revolvers had the 1874, but it was usually struck shallow. Nice to know it has not been worn off. Here in the US, it is rare to find an example without pitting and heavy wear today.

Just curious if the barrel stamping says RUSSIAN MODEL or REISSUE?

 

[jleiper]

With a serial number of 80X it would likely be a "REISSUE". Also, most 3rd Models had the 1874 stamp as did some 2nd Models. It was NOT a date of manufacture.
Joe

 

[Thuer]

Just made some pictures of the barrel and but.
The serial number is 809. Sorry for the x in the first post. I can safe put the number down. It is on my permit in the Netherlands. Centralfire revolvers made after 1870 has to be on permit.

 

[Thuer]

Sorry could not get the picture of the barrel turned on the right side. Here isa better one.

 

[glowe]

Good job, REISSUE it is. You won't find too many as nice as that one, and condition is normally much worse with true Russian contract guns. Most likely your revolver left the factory in the late 1870s.

 

[Kurusu]

I am very happy with this fine revolver. Just get it in from a very good friend of mine. A 3th model Russian made in 1874 with number 80x. The condition is great. Exept, the mainspring has a broken claw. One claw is broken off. It is an old fracture. I have looked around. But it is difficult to get a replacement mainspring. I am not planning to shoot with it. The bore and cilinderchambers are like new.

Since Uberti makes a Russian model reproduction. I would try one of theirs.

 

[Thuer]

I do have the Uberti to. I shall trye if that mainspring will fit. I do know it is thinner than the real spring.