Recently, I received notice from Taylor’s & Co. that they had received some replica S&W Model 3 sixguns in .44 Russian. Normally, Uberti makes these in .45 Colt, so I really wanted to test one in the historically correct caliber. The Model 3 was S&W’s first large-bore centerfire revolver, and the .44 Russian cartridge was a ground-breaker as it has an inside lubricated bullet that was smaller in diameter than the cartridge case. The Taylor’s Model 3 Russian is a reproduction of the final 3rd Model; over the period of production some 70,000 were sold to the Russian government. Specifications for this contract revolver included a 6.5 inch barrel and the curious spur on the bottom of the trigger guard.
The test gun came with as blue finish, accented by color case-hardened parts such as the trigger guard and hammer. This hinged frame six-shooter is single action and when the top-latch is unlocked, it can be broken open, and the barrel pivoted downward to eject the spent brass, and load fresh cartridges. As the firing pin, which is made into the hammer nose, protrudes from the breech-face when at rest; the chamber under the hammer should be left empty for safety. The Model 3 Russian has smooth, two-piece walnut grips, plus a small lanyard ring in the butt of the grip-frame. Empty weight is 2.7 lbs. and overall length is 12.16 inches. It makes a great wheelgun for cowboy action shooters.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
