ANTIQUE Smith & Wesson .44 Model 3 American Single Action Revolver

For sale: antique, all matching Smith & Wesson Model 3 single action American revolver chambered in the powerful .44 S&W American round. This is a fitting time to list the ad as August 24th is the 155th anniversary of the expiry of the King patent on top break revolvers in 1869 which is what enabled Smith & Wesson to manufacture these wonderful revolvers with their new and improved top break release latch. In the wake of the Civil War, Smith & Wesson was the first to market a large caliber centerfire revolver, and the Model 3 quickly won over the competition becoming extremely popular for cowboys and gentlemen alike with about 120,000 produced over 9 years including tens of thousands ordered by the Russian military (which created the beloved .44 Russian round). American .44 S&W can be purchased in cowboy loads from www.rustywood.ca. As an antique, this handgun requires no licensing or registration to buy or own in Canada. Do your own legal research!

This gun is serial number 213XX, dating its manufacture to the early-mid 1870s, as production started in 1870. As a 150 year old gun, this has been very well cared for as the mechanical condition is wonderful with not even a hair of wiggle in the hinge or top break latch. The originally 8 inch barrel has been professionally shortened to 6" post production for a more covert profile, and the bore still has strong lands and grooves enough to put a good spin on some lead. The ejector functions smooth as the day it was made. It indexes nicely with consistent timing. The internals are in great shape, with no rusting or missing parts. Strong mainspring and trigger spring, and the hammer cocks to all 3 positions with one of the lightest trigger pulls you'll feel on an antique.

Visually, the overall look is good. The wood grips are a quite finely made of a solid hardwood with some minor dings. The frame retains about 80% original nickel. The Smith & Wesson Massachusetts address and patent line is stamped strongly on the top strap. An excellent and dependable example from a world renowned manufacturer.

Must be 18

Free shipping included

Comes with FRT report

I make no claims about the safety of firing ANY antique gun. Check with a gunsmith!

Check out my ads for more antiques!

(Tags: .41, .45, .450, .455, Colt, Webley, USA, Canada, Army, Navy, Pistol, Handgun)