S&W Model 3

[LHRGunslinger]

A few nights ago I found out that outside of Philadelphia I can open carry legally. Even thought I'm only 21 years old I enjoy a bit of the old west style flair. So I'm thinking about getting a S&W Model 3 reproduction to carry when I'm outside the city. Does anyone know who makes current production Model 3's? Are any double action models of this weapon made too?

 

[Jim Watson]

Uberti is the only current maker. Cimarron is one importer, they have an Old Model Russian complete with finger hook (which some CAS remove for holstering.)
http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/Specialty/Russian.htm
They also bring in a Schofield
http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/Specialty/Schofield.htm

Navy Arms has Schofields, too:
http://www.navyarms.com/top_break.html

Beretta owns Uberti and had them make up a No 3 New Model for their brand but it seems no longer available.


I know of no reproduction of the double action S&W topbreaks. Originals are not terribly expensive but the condition and steel quality might not be up to modern carry requirements.

 

[LHRGunslinger]

The reason I'd want a new build is because in the off chance that something breaks I'm not upset that it broke, and I can send it back to the manufacturer without too much to worry about.

 

[BCRider]

I've shot one and they are nice. Look good too. But pricey compared to the more vanilla Colt 1873 style.

You'll need to get some nice gun leather to carry it with. And remember, only 5 loaded and the hammer down on the empty...

 

[LHRGunslinger]

@BCRider: And 40 or so rounds on the belt.

 

[CraigC]

Lovely sixguns, I've always lusted after them but not terribly well suited to fast work. I carry single actions all the time but just couldn't see packin' a 6" #3 for self defense. If you don't want a Model P like everybody else a 4 3/4" 1851 cartridge conversion would be a better choice. Or a big bore Open Top model with short barrel and Navy grip.

 

[Lar1911]

Conceal Carry





Regular

7 inch

5 inch

Uberti Makes one, plus the Russian (The russian had a place for your trigger finger so you didnt shoot your horse)

Type in Schofield
www.gunbroker.com

 

[LHRGunslinger]

I was thinking of getting an Uberti in either .38 special or .45 LC with a 5 inch barrel and carrying it in a skeleton shoulder rig for concealed carry and a cowboy style holster outside the city.

Also is the Uberti .38SPC model +P rated?

 

[Jim Watson]

No. The topbreak frame is just not that strong. It wouldn't blow up, but it would not hold up like a solid frame or hand ejector.

A .38 on the No 3 frame is going to be a heavy gun, what with the smaller holes in barrel and cylinder. I have a .38-44 Target which is kind of a novel gun, but it does not have the balance of a .44 Russian.
A 5" "Wells Fargo" Schofield .45 is about right.

 

[LHRGunslinger]

I'd be lookin at an MP412 REX, but NOOO Clinton & Yeltsin had to keep me from getting my hands on a .357 top-break just cause it was manufactured in Russia.

 

[Jim K]

I assume you are going to do this only to "tweak" the authorities and get attention, as I can't think of a much worse gun for practical carry than the old Model 3. Even the Colt SAA would be better. Heavy, awkward, and not at all easy to cock in a hurry, the original guns were not much favored in the old days for good reasons.

I would be concerned that while I was getting the old timey gun into action, some gangbanger would shove his Glock in my face and pull the trigger.

Jim

 

[LHRGunslinger]

Haven't you ever heard of the Kansas City Shuffle? While slick is eyein my old school revolver I'll have a .45 semi-auto in my other hand.

 

[Jim Watson]

Nope, two guns drag my pants down til I look like an overage skateboarder.