Smith &Wesson model 3 American Russian 1st model
This is a
3rd American model.
"American" refers to the caliber.
The
"Russian" model, used by the Russian army, is exactly the same, but with a
slightly larger bore in about one-third of the chambers because the Russian
cartridge case has a slightly larger diameter than the original American
cartridge.
The
Russian can fire both cartridges, while the American can only chamber the
original cartridge.
This also
applies to the .38 and .32 calibers. The "Russian Model" was very successful on
the American civilian market because it is more powerful.
The small
button under the hinge (photo 8) allows the revolver to be opened without
activating the extractor if it is pushed to the rear.
This one
is a "Russian First Model," still with the long extractor housing. The Russians
later requested a whole host of variations, such as a finger rest on the trigger
guard, a cheek piece on the top of the grip, etc.
S&W did
whatever they wanted, even when they had to modify the machines or when the
major (Orloff, I believe) changed his mind along the way, because the Russians
paid in full.
If I'm
not mistaken, this one dates from around 1871-72.
Marcel
