I have this up for sale in the EE, but those of you interested in antique pistols and especially the Smith & Wessons, I thought I'd share what I learned just for the sake of general knowledge. It was for sale in US auction site and I loved it. At first glance I assumed it to be one of the 5" barreled ones, albeit in wonderful condition. After I actually got it in my hands I was blown away. The bluing is outstanding and so is the colour case hardening given that this pistol is near to 135 yrs. old or so. The bore has 3 little blemishes but the rifling is strong and the bore is shiny and bright. Mechanics are perfect! The grips, sadly, are not original to the pistol but are period correct. The mismatched grips and the bore blemishes are the only thing keeping it from qualifying as pristine museum grade. Two interesting features set this above the run-of-the-mill 1st. mod. DA's. It has a factory installed lanyard ring, but there are no stamps or markings indicating military or police issue. These pistols came in 4 standard barrel lengths, 4". 5", 6", and 6-1/2" with custom lengths available as special order. This one has a factory 4-1/2" barrel, so this was custom ordered. The barrel stamp is centred between the foresight and the barrel end on the frame so this is not originally a long barrel that was later cut down. In short, this is a rare factory variant custom order. Enjoy the pics! Observations, questions, and comments are more than welcome.
Antique Custom S&W .44 Russian
- Thread starter LawrenceN
- Start date
![DSCN0095[1].JPG](/forum/data/attachments/863/863542-c302ddbb68a320078aae070e4f5e3f13.jpg)
Refinished? Maybe yes, maybe no. Given its overall condition and especially the case hardening plus the fact that there's no sign of dishing on any of the screw holes and the hammer stud is domed like it should be, it's highly debatable. Given the placement of the barrel stamps, there's very little doubt that was a custom fabricated barrel length at 4-1/2" but I'm waiting on the S&W letter. When it arrives, I'll post the copy of it on this thread.
I will attach a pic of my carry piece when I have to do bush work and long gun would be too awkward to deploy quickly. In short, the pistol must be openly displayed and it can be carried and discharged anywhere you can carry and discharge any non restricted firearm.
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Ballistically the same as .44 special, so, nothing you'd want to have to stop a charging bear with, but bush plinking; sure, why not?
Yes, I was not thinking of bear stopping. We use spray for that!
