S&W's Pistol-Carbine for the South Australian Police

Published on December 1, 2020
Duration: 9:06

This review details the Smith & Wesson No. 3 New Model revolvers procured by the South Australian Police in the 1880s. The article highlights their unique nickel finish, detachable shoulder stocks for carbine-like accuracy, and specialized saddle holsters. It also covers the .44 Russian caliber, top-break action, and the historical context of their service until 1953.

Quick Summary

The South Australian Police adopted Smith & Wesson No. 3 New Model revolvers in the 1880s, valued for their nickel finish, .44 Russian caliber, and detachable shoulder stocks that converted them into accurate carbines. Specialized saddle holsters allowed immediate deployment.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: S&W No. 3 for South Australian Police
  2. 02:16S&W Contract Details & History
  3. 03:12Technical Features: Finish & Markings
  4. 04:01Mechanism & .44 Russian Caliber
  5. 04:37Shoulder Stock Attachment & Accuracy
  6. 05:34Specialized Holster Systems
  7. 07:48Retirement and Surplus Sale

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Smith & Wesson No. 3 revolvers suitable for the South Australian Police?

The S&W No. 3 revolvers were chosen for their reliability, accuracy enhancement via detachable shoulder stocks, and corrosion-resistant nickel finish, ideal for the Australian environment. The .44 Russian caliber also offered good performance for the era.

How did the detachable shoulder stock improve the S&W No. 3's performance?

Attaching the shoulder stock created a stable three-point contact system, effectively turning the pistol into a carbine. This, combined with the long sight radius and 7-inch barrel, allowed officers to achieve significantly higher accuracy at greater distances than with a standard handgun.

What was unique about the holsters provided for the South Australian Police S&W No. 3 rig?

The rig included specialized leather holsters, one designed to carry the revolver with the shoulder stock already attached for immediate carbine use, and another for carrying the stock separately. These were often marked with the Australian broad arrow and designed for saddle mounting.

When and why were the South Australian Police S&W No. 3 revolvers retired?

By 1953, these black powder revolvers were considered obsolete compared to modern firearms. The South Australian Police sold their entire inventory as surplus to an arms company in California, making most surviving examples now found in the United States.

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