Toolroom Prototype Smith & Wesson No.3 Revolver

Published on August 29, 2020
Duration: 7:13

This video provides an expert look at a rare toolroom prototype of the Smith & Wesson No.3 Revolver, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The prototype explores an experimental side-pivoting barrel mechanism and a gear-driven manual extractor, diverging from the standard top-break design. While innovative, the complexity of its operation ultimately prevented it from reaching mass production, highlighting the trade-offs between novel mechanisms and practical usability in firearm design.

Quick Summary

A rare toolroom prototype of the Smith & Wesson No.3 Revolver, based on an 1873 patent, featured an experimental side-pivoting barrel and a gear-driven manual extractor. While intended to simplify manufacturing and extraction, its complex operation proved too cumbersome compared to standard top-break designs, preventing it from entering mass production.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to S&W No.3 Prototype
  2. 00:51Comparison with Standard No.3 Russian
  3. 01:35Prototype Mechanical Operation
  4. 02:41Design Goals and Advantages
  5. 04:36Failure to Reach Production

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson No.3 prototype unique?

The toolroom prototype of the Smith & Wesson No.3 Revolver is unique due to its experimental side-pivoting barrel mechanism and a gear-driven manual extractor, which differs from the standard top-break design of production models.

Why did the S&W No.3 prototype never enter production?

The prototype's design, while innovative, featured a complex and cumbersome operation involving a side-pivoting barrel latch and manual extraction, making it less practical and efficient than the standard top-break action. This complexity ultimately prevented its mass production.

Who presented the toolroom prototype of the S&W No.3 Revolver?

Ian McCollum from the 'Forgotten Weapons' channel presented and analyzed the rare toolroom prototype of the Smith & Wesson No.3 Revolver, providing historical and mechanical context for the experimental firearm.

What was Daniel Wesson's goal with the No.3 prototype's design?

Daniel Wesson aimed to simplify manufacturing processes and reduce production costs by eliminating the complex extractor spring assembly found in standard top-break revolvers, while also exploring alternative extraction methods.

Related News

All News →

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →