Extremely Rare ANTIQUE Mirror Bore 1/34 of the FIRST .38 Special Handguns EVER Made: Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target .38/44 (.38-44) Revolver

price drop from 14500 May 30 This may be the rarest piece you will ever own: it is one of the first 3 dozen .38 Special hanguns EVER on this planet, from the very first year 1887. Behold the Smith & Wesson Model 3 Target in .38/44 (.38 Special). As a pre-1898 Antique, this can be owned with no registration or paperwork and generally used where a nonrestricted would be allowed. Message for more pics, videos, or info. Price OBO

These were introduced in a limited production of 4333 spanning 23 years starting in 1887, with only 1413 chambered in .38/44 and the rest in .32/44. This was a decade before the first official use of the term ".38 Special" (in 1898) and over 40 years before mass production of the standard pressure .38 Special cartridge by Western Cartridge Company starting in the late 1920s, but the dimensions of .38/44 are identical to the .38 SPL cartridge that we know and love today. In other words, these revolvers were trailblazers ahead of their time. This beauty has an extremely early 2 digit serial #3X, making it one of the first .38 Special handguns EVER, during the first production year 1887.

New Model 3 revolvers were the favourite of famous sharpshooter Annie Oakley (who owned 3), and carried by Wyatt Earp during the shootout at the OK Corral for good reason; Smith & Wesson made extremely reliable and accurate revolvers. 

The condition is immaculate. Visuals speak for themselves. The surfaces have a beautiful high polish mirror finish that you could shave in, which I assume was a skilled refinish. The 6 1/2" barrel has incredible mirror-bore rifling with clean factory cut marks down the length showing this revolver has barely seen any lead. Surfaces almost completely devoid of scratches or dings. Not sure if grips original or repro.

The action of this target revolver is fantastic, with a ridiculously light single action trigger pull that allows for extreme accuracy. All mechanisms work excellently and as from factory. The top break latch has no play, ensuring top shot consistency.

Two chamberings were used in the No. 3 Target revolvers: .32/44 and .38/44. The 44 refers to the use of the same large frame, cylinder, and barrel that Smith & Wesson's .44 revolvers used. Because of this large frame, this revolver is more strong and stable for accurate shooting with almost no recoil. It fits the hand naturally with the more elegant trigger I've pulled.

No PAL, 18+

Ships Canada

I make no claim about the safety of ANY ant