The No. 3 “New Model” was first introduced in 1878, after the Russian contracts had concluded. This model is sometimes called “the last of the Russian models”, which is somewhat inaccurate, as the two only share the .44 caliber*. In fact, even this is only partially correct. While most of the Russian models were made in .44 Russian, the No.3 New Model was available in .44 Russian and as many as 14 other calibers. The No.3 New Model is an entirely different gun, as described by D. B. Wesson himself:
“The cylinder catch and its two screws are dispensed with, and in its place a thread is made upon the end of the base pin, from which the cylinder may be removed without the aid of a screw driver or other tool… This revolver has a simple rebounding lock which allows the hammer to reach the cartridge only at the instant of firing, thereby removing all danger of accidental discharge while being carried…”
There are other differences between the Russian model and the No. 3 New Model, including the shape of the grip, the extractor cam and stem. The No. 3 New Model was an instant success, although in October of 1878 M. W. Robinson, Smith & Wesson’s main distributor in New York, would complain of slow sales initially:
“The yellow fever destroys the Southern trade almost entirely…There is not so great demand for a large revolver as there has been…The sickness in the Southern country is disastrous to trade in that region…I used to sell a great many in Memphis & Vicksburg & N. O. [New Orleans] as well as other Southern towns but I have sold but one case there since the fever broke out…the party ordering them is a fugitive of the fever…”
Others embraced the No. 3 New Model, and extolled its virtues to all who would listen. Ira Paine, “Texas Jack” John B. Omohundro, “Buffalo Bill” Cody and the Arctic expedition of US Lt. Frederick Schwatka all carried the No. 3 New Model, and the resulting publicity helped put this model in the fore of modern American firearms. First year production amounted to just over 13,000, most of them blued, with wood or hard rubber grips. There were 3000 plated ones, supplied with black hard rubber grips or optional pearl handles. By 1879 both Mexican and Japanese customers had taken notice, and many thousands would be sold to both countries.
The 1881 Melbourne Exhibition resulted in what was to become known as the “Australian Contract Model”. They were 280 nickel plated No. 3 New Models, 250 of them with detachable shoulder stocks and 7 inch barrels, 30 with 6 ½ inch barrels and no stock. These “Revolver Carbines”, as the Australians called them, are among the most sought-after No. 3’s today. The guns were originally supplied with un-numbered stocks, the numbers being applied by the Australians at the time of issue. S&W also supplied a unique leather holster for both the gun and stock, which was attached to the rider’s saddle. These guns were issued to the Colonial Police of the state of Victoria, and remained in service well into the 20th century.
Australian Colonial Police ca. 1912. Note the saddle holsters for the S&W revolvers
In 1953, California businessman Carlos Mason brought back all but 62 of the original “Aussie” models, 197 with shoulder stocks, and 21 of the original not-cut-for-stock models. It is not clear if Mason received the guns and stocks separately, or if the Australian arsenal kept the guns separate from the stocks, but today it is nearly impossible to find a gun and matching stock. They are in a general range of serial numbers, and are marked with the Australian “Broad Arrow” acceptance mark.
The “Australian Contract” was by no means significant for D. B. Wesson, a mere “drop in the bucket” of No. 3 New Model production, of which some 35,796 were manufactured over its 34-year run. It is the small number of these, and the distinct features of the model which make them so desirable for collectors.
SN 12479, stock no. 12214
Shooting the Australian No. 3 with shoulder stock attached is an experience. The 7-inch barrel, and the fact that the gun can be held much more steadily with the stock firmly pressed into the shoulder makes the gun very accurate. In a recent trial I was able to place all shots within a 6-inch circle at 25 yards, using full loads of .44 Russian.
*the 1887 S&W catalogue does refer to this model as the "Russian Model", however the name never took hold.
“The cylinder catch and its two screws are dispensed with, and in its place a thread is made upon the end of the base pin, from which the cylinder may be removed without the aid of a screw driver or other tool… This revolver has a simple rebounding lock which allows the hammer to reach the cartridge only at the instant of firing, thereby removing all danger of accidental discharge while being carried…”
There are other differences between the Russian model and the No. 3 New Model, including the shape of the grip, the extractor cam and stem. The No. 3 New Model was an instant success, although in October of 1878 M. W. Robinson, Smith & Wesson’s main distributor in New York, would complain of slow sales initially:
“The yellow fever destroys the Southern trade almost entirely…There is not so great demand for a large revolver as there has been…The sickness in the Southern country is disastrous to trade in that region…I used to sell a great many in Memphis & Vicksburg & N. O. [New Orleans] as well as other Southern towns but I have sold but one case there since the fever broke out…the party ordering them is a fugitive of the fever…”
Others embraced the No. 3 New Model, and extolled its virtues to all who would listen. Ira Paine, “Texas Jack” John B. Omohundro, “Buffalo Bill” Cody and the Arctic expedition of US Lt. Frederick Schwatka all carried the No. 3 New Model, and the resulting publicity helped put this model in the fore of modern American firearms. First year production amounted to just over 13,000, most of them blued, with wood or hard rubber grips. There were 3000 plated ones, supplied with black hard rubber grips or optional pearl handles. By 1879 both Mexican and Japanese customers had taken notice, and many thousands would be sold to both countries.
The 1881 Melbourne Exhibition resulted in what was to become known as the “Australian Contract Model”. They were 280 nickel plated No. 3 New Models, 250 of them with detachable shoulder stocks and 7 inch barrels, 30 with 6 ½ inch barrels and no stock. These “Revolver Carbines”, as the Australians called them, are among the most sought-after No. 3’s today. The guns were originally supplied with un-numbered stocks, the numbers being applied by the Australians at the time of issue. S&W also supplied a unique leather holster for both the gun and stock, which was attached to the rider’s saddle. These guns were issued to the Colonial Police of the state of Victoria, and remained in service well into the 20th century.
Australian Colonial Police ca. 1912. Note the saddle holsters for the S&W revolvers
In 1953, California businessman Carlos Mason brought back all but 62 of the original “Aussie” models, 197 with shoulder stocks, and 21 of the original not-cut-for-stock models. It is not clear if Mason received the guns and stocks separately, or if the Australian arsenal kept the guns separate from the stocks, but today it is nearly impossible to find a gun and matching stock. They are in a general range of serial numbers, and are marked with the Australian “Broad Arrow” acceptance mark.
The “Australian Contract” was by no means significant for D. B. Wesson, a mere “drop in the bucket” of No. 3 New Model production, of which some 35,796 were manufactured over its 34-year run. It is the small number of these, and the distinct features of the model which make them so desirable for collectors.
SN 12479, stock no. 12214
Shooting the Australian No. 3 with shoulder stock attached is an experience. The 7-inch barrel, and the fact that the gun can be held much more steadily with the stock firmly pressed into the shoulder makes the gun very accurate. In a recent trial I was able to place all shots within a 6-inch circle at 25 yards, using full loads of .44 Russian.
*the 1887 S&W catalogue does refer to this model as the "Russian Model", however the name never took hold.
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