Author Topic: IDing a S&W No3 model 2  (Read 3451 times)

Offline John William McCandles

  • NCOWS Member
  • Top Active Citizen
  • ***
  • Posts: 524
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 1
IDing a S&W No3 model 2
« on: August 18, 2013, 07:34:21 AM »
I'm looking at a original S&W No.3 three over the internet and was wondering if there was any way to tell the caliber other than slugging the bore?
It is a Model 2 with the long ejector housing. The seller is not sure if it is an .44 American or a .44 S&W (Russian). I'm trying to have him slug the barrel and measure the cylinder.
I can tell that it is not a Russian model as it does not have the hump on the grip or the trigger guard spur.

Thanks
JW
NCOWS #1792
SASS #963
STORM #59
Johnson County Rangers
The Old West Players
Alpine Outlaws (Inactive)
NRA Life
NAHC Life
U.S. Navy Submarine Service Retired

Offline PJ Hardtack

  • American Plainsmen Society
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 4003
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: IDing a S&W No3 model 2
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2013, 08:54:14 AM »
There were "Russian" #'3's that didn't have the grip hump and guard spur.

As for chambering, unless the cylinder is bored straight through, a .44 Spl. case should be too long. Use a rod to measure the depth of the chamber up to the visible shoulder.
"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on.
I don't do these things to others and I require the same from them."  John Wayne

Offline John William McCandles

  • NCOWS Member
  • Top Active Citizen
  • ***
  • Posts: 524
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 1
Re: IDing a S&W No3 model 2
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2013, 09:30:15 AM »
Looking at a picture down the cylinder chambers there appears to not be a shoulder. So I am assuming this may be a .44 American chambering?

JW
NCOWS #1792
SASS #963
STORM #59
Johnson County Rangers
The Old West Players
Alpine Outlaws (Inactive)
NRA Life
NAHC Life
U.S. Navy Submarine Service Retired

Advertising

  • Guest
Re: IDing a S&W No3 model 2
« Reply #3 on: Today at 04:06:25 PM »

Offline Pettifogger

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 3613
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 19
Re: IDing a S&W No3 model 2
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2013, 11:46:41 AM »
I had a .44 American.  If you want to shoot it, skip it.  The dies are VERY expensive.  There is no brass.  You have to form brass from .41 Magnum and find the proper heeled bullets.  Again, if you intend to shoot the thing, look for a .44 Russian.  That was the most popular caliber in the big Smiths, brass is made for it and you use regular inside lubed .44 bullets.

Offline John William McCandles

  • NCOWS Member
  • Top Active Citizen
  • ***
  • Posts: 524
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 1
Re: IDing a S&W No3 model 2
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2013, 01:26:48 PM »
I had a .44 American.  If you want to shoot it, skip it.  The dies are VERY expensive.  There is no brass.  You have to form brass from .41 Magnum and find the proper heeled bullets.  Again, if you intend to shoot the thing, look for a .44 Russian.  That was the most popular caliber in the big Smiths, brass is made for it and you use regular inside lubed .44 bullets.

I'm thinking it most likely is a .44 American and I plan on passing on it.

Thanks
JW
NCOWS #1792
SASS #963
STORM #59
Johnson County Rangers
The Old West Players
Alpine Outlaws (Inactive)
NRA Life
NAHC Life
U.S. Navy Submarine Service Retired

Offline Earl Brasse

  • Very Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 50
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: IDing a S&W No3 model 2
« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2013, 09:37:52 PM »
You might want to check the chambers.

I have an "American" that someone drilled out to Russian. (wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, or sharpest drill bit)



Pettifogger is right, trying to make ammo for an "American" is not cheap or fun.

Offline John William McCandles

  • NCOWS Member
  • Top Active Citizen
  • ***
  • Posts: 524
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 1
Re: IDing a S&W No3 model 2
« Reply #6 on: August 19, 2013, 04:37:20 AM »
I heard back from the seller and a .44 Russian won't chamber, so I guess it's .44 American or ???

JW
NCOWS #1792
SASS #963
STORM #59
Johnson County Rangers
The Old West Players
Alpine Outlaws (Inactive)
NRA Life
NAHC Life
U.S. Navy Submarine Service Retired

 

SMF spam blocked by CleanTalk

© 1995 - 2023 CAScity.com