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Russian 3rd Model Smith & wesson
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Wing master View Drop Down
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AKA StraightShooter

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    Posted: 11 December 2009 at 08:40

A few months ago I inherited several guns. One very interesting one is a Russian 3rd model Smith & Wesson copy made at the Tuia aresonal in Russia. It is a .44 Russian.

Several places have 44 Russian ammo available. I was thinking about ordering some and taking this one out to the range. The only problem is, although it's in really good condition, If I shoot it and something breaks it probably will ruin any collector value this gun has.

What would you guys do? Shoot it or put it away and keep it as a collector?

Also, I am not sure if they loaded it with black powder or smokeless powder back in the late 1800's. If it was loaded with black powder would it be ok to shoot it with the cowboy action loads I have found online?

Any help is appreciated.

 
I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.
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Not a real good picture but you can get the idea.
I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.
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Points: 8857 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CB900F Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 December 2009 at 10:14

Wing;

I think that I would shoot it.  But, I'd almost certainly load it with black powder to do so.  That way, there's only a very slim chance that it'd get damaged by shooting.  Maybe run a cylinder or two through it just to say I'd done it & then thoroughly clean & retire for the next generation.

900F
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 December 2009 at 14:14

The top break #3 are nice guns.

I'd shoot it with light smokelss powder loads and cast bullets.  The corosiveness of BPP will deteriorate it faster than light smokelss loads and make cleaning a breeze.  I think cases can be made easily from 44 special or 44 magnum cases.

I believe that Billy the Kid and Bill Cody both favored the #3.

i like that wild trigger guard, not seen one like that,
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Points: 8029 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wing master Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 December 2009 at 00:48

Thanks fellas,

I only plan on shooting it a few times to, like CB said, say I have shot it. I was hopeing to find some kind of light load cause I really dont want to get set up to load a couple cylinders of ammo. Then oil it up and retire it.

From what I have found, the trigger guard is found on the Russian contract guns. The aresonal in Tula Russia only made 31,000 of these guns. Makes me wonder how many are left.

Also interesting is how many "Outlaws" have been photographed with the 3rd model S&W. I read where Jesse James was shot with one. in addition to the people Bear mentioned.

Anyone have any idea on a value for this one? Not that it really matters, but I was interested.

Wing master
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 December 2009 at 19:55

The value might come from it being a "russian made" one.  I lknow that  S&W made and esported a ton of them to Russia, they even developed the 44 Russian cartridge for them,  So I bet there are lots of those imported to Russia guns around; many made it back to the USA before the 1968 Gun Law; and I use to see them in Guns and Ammo ads for a few bucks. 

But there were few "clones" around.  So much would bepend upon the quality of mfg?

Certainly the Cowboy action shooting has driven $$$ way high for these things.  And only light loads need be used for targets.
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Points: 8029 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wing master Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 December 2009 at 01:20

Thanks Bear,

I am not interested in selling it but cant help being interested in the value. I am sure the value wont go down.

I will come up with something to run through it. Then clean it and oil it and retire it. I plan on saving a few rounds just in case one of the kids or grandkids want to shoot it someday.

Wing master
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 December 2009 at 01:57

Those are actually, to my way of thinking, fun guns to shoot.  Love to break open and see the spent cases come out all at once.  My Lyman book lists 44 Russian as:

175 cast bullet lyman #429106

with 5 grains of Unique at 875 fps.

I'd load 4 grains and finger seat the bullets

 

I'd develop a peaceful load and shoot it fairly often, 30 rounds of so.

Remember our guns need to get out of the cases and safes. 

Take a gun for a walk today.
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Thanks Bear,

Could I use 44 magnum dies or would I need Russian dies?

I have never heard of finger seating bullets. Could you explane?

Wing master
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 December 2009 at 02:37

I believe the 44 mag dies can be adjusted.  Both are generally straight walled cases with .456 mouth OD.  The 44 mag may be about .oo1 larger at the base, but it should work fine.  You can shoot the Russian cartridges in the 44 mag; but not the longer 44 rem mag in the Russian chamber (thank heaven).

Once you get them resized, keeping the pressure low will mean they will not get tight.  I would no be surprised if the chamber have not eroded slightly.  With all revolvers some chambers will be slightly different (aka out of round) from others.  But I'm sure the 44 dies can be adjusted down to bell the mouth slightly and to seat the bullets.  Shooting lead cast will also keep the pressures down compared to jacketed bullets.
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Nice gun. I don't have one of those. Would it possibly be for sale????????........................Kingpin
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Sorry Kingpin,

Its not for sale at this point. If it ever comes up for sale you will be the first person I tell.

Wing master
I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.
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