Rare, use caution. Values are speculative.

This model same as .32, except chambered for .38 S&W cartridge. Serial Range 529001 to 554077. Approximately 15,000 manufactured between 1909 and 1911.

A unique top-break, with both a barrel latch similar to other top-breaks and thumb-piece similar to hand ejectors. Also the only top-break where triggerguard is integral to the frame, rather than a separate piece. Produced from 1909 to 1920 in their own serial number range 1-59400.

Push button latch protrudes above frame. Serial number 5251-42483. Built 1887-1890.

Push button latch flush with frame. Serial number 42484-116002. Built 1890-1898.

Produced in .38 S&W only. The only difference in 4th Model and 3rd Model is adoption of standard T-bar type of barrel latch as found on most of the top-break revolvers. ".38 S&W Cartridge" was also added to the left side of barrel. Approximately 104,000 manufactured between 1898 and 1907. Serial number range 116003 to 220000.

NOTE: Add 25 percent for "oil hole" variation found on approximately first 1,500 guns; 50 percent for unusual barrel lengths other than standard 8". Original "Nashville Police" marked guns worth a substantial premium.

Only 200 produced throughout serial range. NOTE: Rarity makes valuation speculative.

Serial number range 6466-6744. Shorter cylinder (1.423"). Improved barrel of 2nd Model but retains the flat bottom frame of the 1st Model.

One thousand produced with "U.S." stamped on top of barrel. "OWA" on left grip. They are scattered in the serial number range 125-2199. Slight premium for scarce original nickel finish.

An improved version of 1st Model. Most notable difference is larger diameter trigger pivot pin and frame protrusions above trigger to accommodate it. Front sight blade on this model is made of steel instead of nickel silver. Several internal improvements were also incorporated into this model. This model commonly known as American 2nd Model. The 8" barrel length was standard. Approximately 20,735 manufactured between 1872 and 1874. NOTE: There have been 5.5", 6", 6.5" and 7" barrels noted; but they are extremely scarce and would bring a 40 percent premium over standard 8" model. Use caution when purchasing these short barrel revolvers. Approximately 3,014 chambered for .44 Henry rimfire with large triangular flat-tip firing pin, may bring 10% to 25% premium.

Standard configuration 8" barrel, .44 American caliber. Other barrel lengths will bring a premium if factory original. .44 Rimfire chambering will bring a slight premium. Substantial premium for rare specimens with original detachable shoulder stock. Serial number range approx. 8000 to 32800, manufactured 1872-1874.

Configuration is about identical to American 2nd Model. S&W made several internal changes to this model to satisfy the Russian government. Markings on this revolver are distinct. Caliber for which it is chambered, .44 S&W Russian, is different from the 2nd Model Russian. Approximately 20,000 Russian-Contract revolvers. Serial number range 1-20000. They are marked in Russian Cyrillic letters. Russian double-headed eagle stamped on rear portion of barrel, with inspector's marks underneath it. All contract guns have 8" barrels and lanyard swivels on the butt. These are rarely encountered, as most were shipped to Russia. Commercial run of this model numbered approximately 4,655. Barrels are stamped in English and include the words "Russian Model". Some are found with 6" and 7" barrels, as well as standard 8". There were also 500 revolvers that were rejected from the Russian contract series and sold on the commercial market. Some of these are marked in English; some, Cyrillic. Some have the Cyrillic markings ground off and English restamped. Manufactured from 1871 to 1874. Guns with Cyrillic barrel markings may bring up to 25% premium.

6,200 made, .44 S&W Russian, English markings.

500 made.

.44 S&W Russian. Marked "Russian Model" in English. Made 13,500.

70,000 made; rare, as most were shipped to Russia. Cyrillic markings; lanyard swivel on butt.

.44 rimfire Henry, special rimfire frames, serial-numbered in own serial number range 1-1000.

Made from altered centerfire frames from regular commercial serial number range. 1,000 made. Use caution with this model.

3,000 issued.

Five thousand made between 1-9000 serial number range. Japanese naval insignia, an anchor over two wavy lines, found on butt. Barrel is Japanese proofed and words "Jan.19, 75 REISSUE July 25, 1871" are stamped on barrel, as well.

Similar to the 1st Model Schofield with most noticeable differences being circles on each side of the frame-mounted latch, and serial number range. The vast majority were military issue, and are "US" marked on butt. See comments on modified surplus guns and Wells Fargo Schofields at the listing for First Model Schofields above. In total, 646 Civilian Models were made, but despite their relative rarity they bring about the same value as the more common U.S.-issue Schofields. Serial range 3036-8969. Circa 1876-1877.

4,000 issued.

Distributor modifications — After military use, many Schofields were sold as surplus and modified by distributers, who sometimes refinished the guns and shortened the barrel to 5”. These modified guns will bring less than guns in original configuration, perhaps 50% of what an original unaltered Schofield will bring. Wells Fargo — The famous Wells Fargo Express Company purchased a number of these shortened 5” barrel surplus Schofields and marked them on the ejector housing “W F & CO (or CO’S) EXP” along with the gun’s serial number. These “Wells Fargo Schofields” will bring close to the value of an original unaltered US Schofield. Beware of fake markings. San Francisco Police — Some Schofields are found with large 2- or 3-digit numbers stamped near the top of the backstrap. These have traditionally been “San Francisco Police” models, sent to California at the time of the Sandlot Riots. They will bring a slight premium. Civilian Models — See comments at 1st and 2nd Model Schofield listings above.

5,000 made from altered centerfire frames. Made to fire .44 Henry rimfire. "W" inspector's mark on butt. Fakes have been noted; be aware.

1,000 made. Has Japanese naval insignia, an anchor over two wavy lines, stamped on butt.

Barrel markings are in Russian Cyrillic. Approximately 41,100 produced.

German firm of Ludwig Loewe produced a copy of this model that is nearly identical to the S&W. This German revolver was made under Russian contract, as well as for commercial sales. Contract model has different Cyrillic markings than S&W and letters "HK" as inspector's marks. Commercial model has markings in English. Russian arsenal at Tula also produced a copy of this revolver with a different Cyrillic dated stamping on barrel.

No "US" markings, 35 made, Very Rare. NOTE: Use caution. UNABLE TO PRICE. At least double the military model values. Expert appraisal needed.

646 made.

Smith & Wesson manufactured some of their .32 and .32 Safety Hammerless models with shorter than usual barrels - usually 2", but sometimes 1.5". These are called "Bicycle Guns" and will bring a substantial premium, sometimes two to four times what a standard barrel will bring. Beware of cut barrels - S&W would not cut through their barrel address to make a short barrel gun. Original shorter than standard barrels on .32 & .38 Double Action models will also bring a premium.

Push button latch serial number 1- 91417. Built 1888-1902. Note: Add 50% premium for revolvers built before 1898.

T-bar latch pinned front sight. Serial number 91418-169999. Built 1902 to 1909.

T-bar latch integral forged front sight. Serial number 170000-242981. Built 1909 to 1937. Note: Add 200% for 2" barrel Bicycle Model.

This model is sometimes called "Baby Russian." A top-break automatic-ejecting revolver chambered for .38 S&W centerfire cartridge. Offered with 3.25" or 4" round barrel. Raised rib has a 5-shot fluted cylinder and finished in blue or nickel plating. A 5" barrel was added as an option a short time later. Butt is rounded, with wood or checkered hard rubber grips inlaid with S&W medallion. It has a spur trigger. Approximately 25,548 manufactured in 1876 and 1877, of which 16,046 were nickel; 6,502 blued.

With the exception of an improved and shortened extractor assembly and availability of additional barrel lengths of 3.25", 4", 5", 6", 8" and 10", with 8" and 10" barrel lengths being the most rare, this model is quite similar in appearance to 1st Model. Approximately 108,225 manufactured between 1877 and 1891.

Small premium for 5" or 6" lengths.

Very rare, use caution. Values are speculative.

This model differs from first two models because it is fitted with a triggerguard. Chambered for .38 S&W centerfire cartridge. Has a 5-shot fluted cylinder and is a top-break design with automatic ejection upon opening. Barrel lengths are 3.25", 4" and 6". Finish blued or nickel-plated. Butt is rounded, with checkered hard rubber grips featuring S&W medallions. Approximately 26,850 manufactured between 1891 and 1911. Also sold with matching single shot barrel or multiple barrels. Cased sets will bring multiples of the listed value. See also "1st Model Single Shot" listing.

This extremely rare model is quite similar in appearance to 3rd Model Single-Action. Notable differences are flat hammer sides, with no outward flaring of spur. Spur trigger assembly was not made integrally with the frame, but a separate part added to it. One must exercise extreme caution as S&W offered a kit that would convert the triggerguard assembly of Third Model to spur trigger of Mexican Model. This, coupled with the fact that both models fall within the same serial range, can present a real identification problem. Another feature of Mexican Model is absence of a half cock. The exact number of Mexican Models manufactured between 1891 and 1911 is unknown but estimated that the number is about 2,000.

Similar in appearance to .32 1st Model. Having a straight cut side-plate but chambered for .38 S&W cartridge. Grips are checkered. Serial Range 1-about 4000. Manufactured circa 1880.

Similar in appearance to .32 2nd Model but chambered for .38 S&W cartridge. Approximately 115,000 manufactured between 1880 and 1884. Serial range about 4001-119000.

This is .38 S&W version of 4th Model. Identical in outward appearance to 3rd Model. Relocation of sear was the main design change in this model. Serial Range 322701 to 539000. Approximately 216,300 manufactured between 1895 and 1909. Note: Add 20% premium for revolvers built before 1898.

Z-bar latch. Serial number range 1 to 5250. Made 1887 only. Note: Add 50% for 6" barrel. Rare!

Approximately 100 sold to U.S. government in 1890. They have 3rd Model features, but in 2nd Model serial number range 41333-41470. Fitted with 6" barrels and marked "US". Caution: Be wary of fakes. Note: Rarity makes valuation speculative.

Last of the "Lemon Squeezers". Only appreciable difference between this model and 4th Model is the front sight blade on 5th Model is an integral part of the barrel, not a separate blade pinned onto the barrel. Approximately 41,500 manufactured between 1907 and 1940. Serial number range 220001 to 261493. Note: Add 50% for 2" barrel version.

The Model Three designation refers to the large-frame top-break revolvers. These fall into five major groups, chronologically by date of introduction: American Model, Russian Model, Schofield, New Model Number Three, and Double Action. Refer to The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, available at GunDigestStore.com, for detailed background.

This model represented a number of firsts for Smith & Wesson Company. It was first of the top-break automatic ejection revolvers. Also first Smith & Wesson in a large caliber (chambered for .44 S&W American cartridge as well as .44 Henry rimfire on rare occasions). Also known as 1st Model American. This large revolver offered with an 8" round barrel with a raised rib as standard. Barrel lengths of 6" and 7" were also available. It has a 6-shot fluted cylinder and square butt with walnut grips. Blued or nickel-plated. Interesting to note, this model appeared three years before Colt's Single-Action Army and perhaps, more than any other model, was associated with the historic American West. Only 8,000 manufactured between 1870 and 1872. Note: Add 25% for "oil hole" variation found on approximately first 1,500 guns; 50% for unusual barrel lengths other than standard 8". Original "Nashville Police" marked guns worth a substantial premium. About 200 made in .44 Henry rimfire will bring 25% to 50% premium.

This revolver was known as "Old Model Russian". This is a complicated model to understand as there are many variations within the model designation. Serial numbering is quite complex as well and values vary due to relatively minor model differences. Before purchasing this model, it would be advisable to read reference materials solely devoted to this firearm. Chambered for .44 S&W Russian, with some scarce variations in .44 Henry rimfire cartridge. It has a 7" barrel and a round butt featuring a projection on the frame that fits into the thumb web. Grips are walnut and finish blue or nickel-plated. Triggerguard has a reverse curved spur on the bottom. Approximately 85,200 manufactured between 1873 and 1878. Variations include: Russian Contract Cyrillic marked – 10% premium, Japanese Navy, anchor with 2 wavy lines marked – 10% premium, .44 Henry Rimfire variations. Flat tipped triangular firing pin, Commercial - 500 made – 25% premium, 1st Turkish Contract, s/n range 1-1000 – 25-50% premium, 2nd Turkish Contract in standard s/n range – 25% premium

Model 3 Russian 3rd ModelThis revolver is also known as "New Model Russian". Factory referred to this model as Model of 1874 or Cavalry Model. Chambered for .44 S&W Russian and .44 Henry rimfire cartridge. Barrel is 6.5" and round butt is the same humped-back affair as 2nd Model. Grips are walnut and finish blue or nickel plated. Most notable differences in appearance between this model and 2nd Model are shorter extractor housing under the barrel and integral front sight blade instead of pinned-on one found on previous models. In addition to S&W production for the commercial market and Russian military, the German firm of Ludwig and Lowe and the Russian Tula arsenal made copies of this gun for the Russian military. These and other variations impact values. Refer to Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson available at GunDigestStore.com for details. Approximately 60,638 manufactured between 1874 and 1878. Variations include: Japanese Navy, anchor with 2 wavy lines marked – 10% premium; .44 Henry Rimfire. Turkish contract or commercial – 25% premium; Russian Contract Cyrillic marked - Made by S&W – 10% premium; Made by Ludwig & Loewe – 10% premium; Made by Tula Russian arsenal – 20% premium

American and Russian Models were available with a detachable shoulder stock. The stocks are very rare and fakes and reproductions are known. A gun cut for stock may bring a slight premium. A gun accompanied by an original stock may bring double what the gun alone would bring. Shoulder stocked New Model Number Threes, although still rare, are a bit more common, notably the Australian Colonial Police variation listed below. A gun with stock may bring a 50% or greater premium. The stock alone may bring $1000 to $2000. Schofields and Double Actions with what appear to be period shoulder stocks are known to exist but these were not offered by the factory.

Designed for the U.S. Army in caliber .45 S&W, 7” barrel, blued, top-break single-action with automatic ejection. Unlike other Model 3’s the Schofield’s latch is mounted on the frame instead of on the barrel. Schofield patent markings on ejector housing, 3,000 issued, U.S. Marked on the butt. It is also reported that 35 civilian models were made. These civilian 1st Models are extremely rare and can bring a substantial premium over US issued 1st Models, so expert evaluation is essential. Serial range 1-3035, circa 1875. Premium for "San Francisco Police" variation with large numeral on backstrap.

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

Similar in appearance to standard New Model No. 3 but was the company's first production target model. It has a 6.5" round barrel, with a raised rib and 6-shot fluted cylinder. Finished in blue or nickel-plated. Grips are walnut or checkered hard rubber, with S&W logo molded into them. Chambered in.32-44 Target or .38-44 Target. Designation of .44 referred to the frame size, i.e. a .32 caliber built on a .44 caliber frame. Approximately 4,333 manufactured between 1887 and 1910.

Another model similar in appearance to standard New Model No. 3. It has a 4", 5" or 6.5" barrel. Chambered for .44-40 Win. centerfire cartridge. Because the original New Model No. 3 cylinder was 1.4375" in length, this would not accommodate the longer .44-40 cartridge. Cylinder on No. 3 Frontier was changed to 1.5625" in length. Later the company converted 786 revolvers to .44 S&W Russian and sold them to Japan. Around 800 of these were converted to .44 Russian for sale to Japan; worth about 10% less. This model is blued or nickel-plated and has checkered grips of walnut or hard rubber. They are serial numbered in their own range from 1 through 2072. Manufactured from 1885 until 1908. This model was designed to compete with Colt Single-Action Army, but was not successful.

This variation was the last of New Model No. 3s to be introduced. Chambered for .38-40 Win. it was cataloged from 1900 until 1907, but reliable sources report that all frames were made prior to 1899. If true, that would make this model an antique. Finish blue or nickel-plate. Grips are checkered hard rubber or walnut. Barrel lengths of 4" or 6.5" were offered. This model was not at all popular, as only 74 were manufactured in their own serial range 1 through 74. Today's collectors are extremely interested in this extremely rare model. Note: Rarity makes valuation speculative.

A top-break double-action revolver that automatically ejects the spent cartridge cases upon opening. Also known as "The New Model Navy". Standard chambering is .44 S&W Russian; other calibers very rare and worth premium. Target sights available by special order, and worth a premium if factory original. Standard barrel lengths are 4", 5", 6" and 6.5" round, with a raised rib. A 3.5" barrel was produced on this model by special request. Collectors should be aware that the barrel for this model and New Model No. 3 were interchangeable and the factory did in fact use barrels from either model. Serial number on rear of the barrel should match number on the butt, cylinder and barrel latch. Cylinder holds 6-shots and is fluted. It has double sets of stop notches and long free grooves between the stops. It is serial numbered in its own range, beginning at 1. Approximately 54,000 manufactured between 1881 and 1913.Approximately 54,000 manufactured between 1881 and 1913.

Favorite is basically a lightened version of 1st Model D.A. .44. Barrel is thinner and offered in 5" length only. There are lightening cuts in the frame between triggerguard and cylinder; cylinder diameter was smaller and there is a groove milled along the barrel rib. Favorite chambered for .44 S&W Russian cartridge. Has a 6-shot fluted cylinder, with same double-cylinder stop notches and free grooves as 1st Model Double-Action .44. Company name and address, as well as patent dates, are stamped into edge of the cylinder instead of on barrel rib. Serial-numbered in the same range, between 9000 and 10100. Revolver was most often nickel-plated, but also offered blued. Grips are walnut or checkered hard rubber, with S&W logo molded in. Approximately 1,000 manufactured in 1882 and 1883. Use caution when purchasing a blued model. Note: Rarity makes valuation speculative. Add 25% for blued finish.

Chambered for .44-40 cartridge. This is a separate model from .44 Double-Action 1st Model. It has a longer 19/16" cylinder like the later .44 double-action 1st Model's. Produced from 1886 to 1916 with their own serial number range. Approximately 15,340 built.

Similar to .44 Double-Action 1st Model, except for chamber. Fitted with long cylinder. Approximately 276 produced, in their own serial number range, from 1900 to 1910.

This unusual pistol combines the frame of a .38 Single-Action 3rd Model, with a single-shot barrel. This model is a top-break and functions exactly as revolver models do. Barrel length 6", 8" or 10". Chambered for .22 LR, .32 S&W and .38 S&W. Finish blue or nickel plated, with square butt. Grips are checkered hard rubber extension types for a proper target Hold. This pistol is considered quite rare on today's market, as only 1,251 manufactured between 1893 and 1905. Serial number range is quite wide as it is shared with the 38 Single action 3rd model revolver 1-28107.

Premium for .32 & .38 caliber specimens. Substantial premium for multi-caliber set, and higher premium for a set with .38 Single Action Revolver Model 1891 cylinder & barrel.

2nd Model Single-Shot has a frame with the recoil shield removed. Chambered for .22 LR only. Offered with 10" barrel. Finish blue or nickel plated. Grips are checkered hard rubber extension types. Approximately 4,617 manufactured between 1905 and 1909. Original serial number range 1-4617.

Basic difference between this model and 2nd Model is that this pistol could be fired double-action as well as single-action. Frame came from double-action perfected model. Manufactured 6,949 between 1909 and 1923. Serial number range is considered as 4617-11641. Easy to confirm as the trigger is in the middle of the triggerguard.

Unique pistol that very much resembles a semi-automatic. Barrel is 10" in length and pivots to left for loading. Chambered for .22 LR cartridge. Finished in blue, with walnut grips inlaid with S&W medallions. Hammer is straight-line in function and does not pivot. Manufactured 1,870 between 1925 and 1936. Serial range 1-1870.