S&W No.3 Russian
Smith & Wesson · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1871
Also known as: S&W Model 3 Russian, New Model Russian
Overview
The S&W No.3 Russian is the contract variant of the Smith & Wesson Model 3 top-break single-action revolver produced for the Imperial Russian Army from 1871. Chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge with a six-shot cylinder, it is distinguished from the base No.3 American by a spur on the trigger guard and a knuckle (finger rest) at the top of the backstrap.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1300 g (45.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Barrel Length | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Action Type | Single Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 229 m/s (751 fps) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .44 Russian · primary — also known as .44 S&W Russian, 10.6x25mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Features: Top Break, Automatic Ejection, Trigger Guard Spur, Backstrap Knuckle
Service history
Operators
- Imperial Russian Army · adopted 1871
- Imperial Japanese Army
- Ottoman Army
Conflicts
- Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)
Production
Estimated total produced: 131,000 · Production years: 1871-1878
Russian contracts exceeded 130,000 revolvers across three model variations
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
Distinct from the base S&W Model 3 American (which used .44 S&W American) and from modern Uberti reproductions. The .44 Russian cartridge used an inside-lubricated bullet smaller than the case. The definitive Third Model 'New Model Russian' of 1874 carries the spur trigger guard and backstrap knuckle.
Background
General Alexander Gorloff placed an initial order of roughly 41,000 in 1871; a follow-up by Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich in 1872 expanded total Russian orders past 130,000. The contract put Smith & Wesson on the map and gave rise to the .44 Russian, parent of the .44 Special and .44 Magnum.