Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian Revolver

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	Weapon: Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian Revolver Type: Revolver Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1870 Overall Length (mm): 305.0 Overall Length (in): 12.01 Weight (kg): 1.00 Weight (pounds): 2.2

The Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian Revolver was a groundbreaking design in the late 19th century, blending innovation and robust engineering. Developed in the early 1870s, it was an improved version of the original Model 3, tailored to meet the requirements of the Russian Empire. The revolver featured a top-break mechanism, allowing for quick reloading by ejecting spent cartridges and exposing the cylinder for reloading-a significant advantage over competing designs of the era. Chambered in .44 Russian, a cartridge specifically developed for this revolver, it offered a powerful yet controllable round that became widely respected.

Production of the Model 3 Russian Revolver exceeded 150,000 units, with significant numbers manufactured under contract for the Russian government. Smith & Wesson produced many of these revolvers in their Springfield, Massachusetts, facility, and additional units were produced under license by European manufacturers. The revolver saw extensive service in Russia, equipping military officers and cavalry units. Its reliability and ease of use made it a favored weapon for military and civilian users alike, influencing revolver design globally.

The Model 3 Russian Revolver is notable not only for its service in the Russian military but also for its lasting impact on revolver technology and international firearms markets. Its distinctive design, characterized by a pronounced trigger guard spur and robust construction, was widely imitated and appreciated. Today, it is celebrated by collectors and historians as a pioneering weapon that helped establish Smith & Wesson as a premier firearms manufacturer. The revolver's historical and technical significance continues to make it a cherished artifact of 19th-century military history.