A couple of years back I picked up a beautiful NM#3 in astounding condition. It turned out to be part of the Imperial Japanese Navy contract and as such had the sash hook off the trigger guard, which I don't like, and was too valuable and collectible to be a bush carry pistol. I sold that for a pretty fair buck and commenced looking for another normal production good condition NM#3. I bid on and won 2 in a couple of US auctions so now I'm torn as to which one I keep and which one I'll move along to someone else who loves these old pistols. Both are mechanically excellent with very good bores and chambers. Cosmetically, there's not a lot to choose between them. Both have remnants of the original bluing remaining with most areas faded to a nice patina but no rust or damage. One is an early 4 digit serial number with a 6" barrel and the other is a 5 digit serial with a 6-1/2" barrel. Decisions, decisions!!! For now, enjoy.
Smith & Wesson New Mod.#3's
- Thread starter LawrenceN
- Start date
The shorter barrel ones are usually a lot more easy to carry and are tend to be more in demand and easier to sell than the longer barrelled and awkward ones.
So probably keep the shorter one if you want to use it as a bush carry one.
So probably keep the shorter one if you want to use it as a bush carry one.
Don't sell either. You will surely have sellers remorse the moment you do. Sounds like you bush carry and shoot them, so inevitably something will break. Good to have a spare while the other is awaiting gun smithing/parts. I've been there.
Cheers
Moe
Cheers
Moe
Thank you for that very good advice but I have an excellent 1st. Mod. double action that's my primary bush carry. Cosmetically so-so but it went back to Smith & Wesson for a refurb in 1921. The mechanics on it are excellent and it's an very good shooter. I'm keeping the NM#3 as a secondary or back up for my primary.
The short barrel 4 digit one catches my eye but would depend on which one is tighter and mechanical in better shape. The hands wear. The cylinder ratchets get damaged. How about timing if you co ck them slowly with muzzle up. How do they shoot after two cylinders of black? Some of them have quite a bit of head space and end shake.
Just keep em as a pair. Shoot gunfighter style with a gun in each hand. Problem solved
Just keep em as a pair. Shoot gunfighter style with a gun in each hand. Problem solved
