Picky Russians

American Handgunner, July-August, 2009 by Mike "Duke" Venturino

It its first 30 years of existence the .44 Russian cartridge gained a superb reputation for accuracy, of course as fired in the several versions of Smith & Wesson top break revolvers. (See my .44 Special article in this issue for an explanation of why cartridge accuracy reputations are myths.) It's recorded some notable handgun target shots were able to keep five .44 Russian bullets inside a 3" circle at 50 yards. That's probably true, and it should be emphasized not many handguns made today will do that even with smokeless propellants,

Between 1872 and 1874 the Smith & Wesson Model #3 went through three revisions as requested by the Russians. Collectors named them 1st, 2nd and 3rd Models. With each, the Russians asked for design changes altering the Model #3's appearance so much the company started to grouse--despite the gold.

By the 3rd Model .44 Russian, the S&W Model #3 had a "knuckle" at the top of the grip resulting in a saw-handle shaped grip frame, and that odd spur hanging off the trigger guard. Many theories have been thrown out as to the purpose for the spur. The most likely one is Russian Cavalry tactics called for horse mounted troopers to charge with their revolvers cocked and with the trigger finger resting on the spur. That likely saved a lot of horses from being shot in the back of the head as Lt. Col. George A. Custer did to his own horse once when chasing a bison. I've found the spur makes a dandy finger rest for two-handed shooting and the saw handle grip keeps the hand positioned on the revolver exactly the same from shot to shot.