Very Nice
As I'm sure you are aware, the Uberti manufactured Frontier Model, imported by Taylors, and the Laramie, also manufactured by Uberti a number of years ago but marketed by parent company Beretta, varies in one small detail from the original New Model Number Three. The thumb wheel on top of the top strap was never a feature of the original New Model Number Three.
What appears to me is that Uberti has used the same barrel assembly they used for their Russian Model for their replica of the New Model Number Three. The Russian Model Uberti makes is the Russian 3rd Model, and the thumb wheel on top of the top strap is correct for that model. So it was easy to use the same barrel assembly for their version of the New Model Number Three, very few shooters would know the difference, except for a few fussy collectors like me.
The thumb wheel was unnecessary for the New Model Number Three. It was needed to remove the cylinder on the Russian Model, but removing the cylinder was simpler with the NM#3 so the thumb wheel was done away with.
Anyway, that is a fine looking piece. I'm sure you will be very happy with it. Since it is chambered for 44 Special, you can even fire 44 Russian ammo in it. 44 Russian is the same as 44 Special, just a little bit shorter. 44 Russian was the most common chambering for that model, off the top of my head I seem to recall the New Model Number Three was chambered for something like 17 different cartridges. Nope, 44 Special was not one of them, neither was 45 Colt.
My personal opinion is the New Model Number Three was the best of all the large, #3 sized Top Breaks S&W made. Much easier to shoot than the Russian Model with that big hump on the grip. The grip shape of the NM#3 is just about perfect. I think I see in your photo that your new Frontier Model has the same windage adjustable rear sight that the Laramie had. It appears that way in the photos over at the Taylor's sight too.
Here is a question for you: The originals had a rebounding hammer. Does yours?
This photo shows the hammer at full cock, ready to be fired.
In this photo I am holding the hammer forward in the position it would be as a cartridge is fired. Notice the position of the sear (tip of the trigger)
In this photo the hammer has rebounded slightly and the sear is resting in a tiny notch that keeps the firing pin away from any cartridges under the hammer. When the trigger is released the hammer rocks back slightly like this.
This photo shows the hammer in the 'half cock' position for loading.
Given that the cross sections of the parts are so thin, I never trust the rebounding hammer, a firm blow to the hammer spur could break something. I only every load my Antique S&W Top Breaks with five rounds. But the rebounding hammer was a feature of the originals. Interestingly enough, the Target Models, with adjustable rear sight and tall front sight with a bead on top did not have a rebounding hammer, but the 'standard' models, without the adjustable rear sight and the tall front sight did.
I have always found all my S&W #3 Top Breaks tend to shoot high because the front sight is so low. I will be interested to hear how yours shoot(s).
Have a great time, I look forward to your range report.
P.S.: Now you need a 44 Double Action to complete your collection of large frame S&W Top Breaks built on the #3 sized frame. This one is a Target Model, notice the windage adjustable rear sight and the tall front sight with a bead on top. Sorry, no replicas of this model have ever been made, if you want one you are going to have to find an original.
By the way, I love your holsters. I had a couple of Slim Jims made up for me by El Paso Saddlery a bunch of years ago. All my #3 Top breaks fit in them. Not as pretty as your holsters though.