A BREAKOUT FOR SMITH & WESSON
he Smith & Wesson No. 3 top-break revolver, adopted by the U.S. Army two years before the Colt Single Action Army (aka Model 1873), was among the world’s most popular large-frame single-action revolvers. Between 1870 and 1875 Smith & Wesson produced two distinct models, each with 7-inch barrels chambered for either .44 S&W or .44 Russian cartridges. Modifications to the No. 3 led to the “Schofield” variation, which landed a military contract in 1875 and saw combat, particularly during
