Always interested in perfecting Model 3 revolver D.B. Wesson redesigned and improved old Model 3 in hopes of attracting more sales. Russian contracts were almost filled, so the company decided to devote the effort necessary to improve on this design. In 1877, this project was undertaken. Extractor housing was shortened; cylinder retention system was improved; shape of grip was changed to a more streamlined and attractive configuration. This New Model was available with a 3.5", 4", 5", 6", 6.5", 7", 7.5" or 8" barrel length, with 6-shot fluted cylinder. The 6.5" barrel and .44 S&W Russian chambering is the most often encountered variation of this model, but the factory considered the 3.5" and 8" barrels as standard and these were kept in stock as well. New Model No. 3 was also chambered for .32 S&W, .32-44 S&W, .320 S&W Rev. Rifle, .38 S&W, .38-40, .38-44 S&W, .38 US (.38 Colt), .41 S&W, .44 Henry rimfire, .44 S&W American, .44-40, .45 S&W Schofield, .450 Rev., .45 Webley, .455 MkI and .455 MkII. They are blued or nickel-plated and have checkered hard rubber grips, with S&W logo molded into them, or walnut grips. There are many sub-variations within this model designation and the potential collector should secure detailed reference material that deals with this model. Approximately 35,796 of these revolvers manufactured between 1878 and 1912. Nearly 40 percent were exported to fill contracts with Japan, Australia, Argentina, England, Spain and Cuba. There were some sent to Asia, as well. Proof marks or military marks of these countries or factory shipping records will establish their provenance.Variations of the New Mod. No. 3 include: Maryland Militia – US, HN, and DAL markings – 200 made – maybe double standard value; Revenue Cutter Service – US purchase, no special markings, i.d. by serial number – 50% premium; Turkish Model – .44 Henry Rimfire; P, U, & AFC markings, own s/n range 1-5461 – 50% to 100% premium; Japanese Navy – usually with Anchor marking – possible slight premium; Japanese Artillery – Japanese kanji on ejector housing – 25% to 50% premium; Argentine Model – marked EJERCITO ARGENTNO, 2,000 made – 50% to 100% premium; Australian Colonial Police with detachable shoulder stock – double value if stock included; Unusual configurations – rare barrel lengths, rare calibers, and special order sights all add to the value of a gun, depending on the rarity of the variation. Related models – several models shared the same configuration but were offered as distinct models in their own serial number ranges. Their listings follow this one and include: New Model No. 3 Target Model; New Model No. 3 Frontier Model; New Mod. No. 3 38 Winchester Model; Revolving Rifle – based on New Mod. No. 3 frame