Smith & Wesson Guns in the Old West

The Smith & Wesson Model 3 Revolver—launched in 1870—was a .44 caliber “American” single-action six-shooter. This model was a standard-issue sidearm for the U.S. Army. In addition, the Russian government bought thousands of Model 3’s in 1871.  This gun was considered the first pragmatic “big-bore,” metallic cartridge revolver. It laid the foundation for future Smith & Wesson guns like the .44 Russian, .45 Schofield, and the Double Action Frontier models. The Model 3 was used by the U.S. Cavalry and by marshals and generals alike.

The identical Model 3 “Russian” variation of the .44 Smith & Wesson was packed by the infamous John Wesley Hardin, an Old West outlaw, who was known as one of the most merciless killers of the late 19^th century until he was killed in 1895. This gun model was also used by Pat Garrett, sheriff of Lincoln County, New Mexico, one of the good guys who became famous for killing Billy the Kid, a notorious Old West outlaw. Another famous shooter in the Old West—Annie Oakley, a well-known performer in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show—known for her superior marksmanship also owned three S&W Model 3’s in her lifetime.

For a wide variety of modern Smith & Wesson models of today, shop at AlFlahertys.com online or retail store. Contact us at 1.888.651-6436 in Toronto for more information on our Smith & Wesson products.