Well, I was browsing the few vendors we had at the annual High Sierra Shoot Out (Railroad Flat), when I was talking to long time SASS Pard, Fiddletown Flash. He the says, "Tuolumne, I have got something you will love.." and hands me a Smith & Wesson No. 3 top Break, .44 Russian contract revolver! While it has Cyrillic writing on the top of the barrel, it is all S&W. It has no finish left and does have some minor pitting. But... I believe it was "carried much, but shot little."
The bore has some frost, but very strong rifling. The pistol is the tightest frame and lock up on a No. 3 that I have ever seen. It is at least as tight if, not more so, than a newly manufacture Uberti copy! All springs good, timing perfect and cylinder locks up tight as a drum in battery! The lanyard ring is intact, as is the bottom spur on the trigger guard. Grips are original and intact with a few dings, but no cracks.
We arrived at a bargain, with my Trapdoor Springfield at the heart of my end, and the No/ 3 and some brass at his end. I could have wet myself like a happy puppy. In the past I have had a couple No. 3s, but they were well worn, loose, and shot a lot. This baby is cool.
While it will not be a regular main match gun for me ( I have a pair of .45 Open Tops and a pair of Uberti SAA 1873 .44-40s), I will stoke up some loads and shoot her at matches occasionally for giggles...
Pictures to come...