The First S&W .38: The "Baby Russian"
The Smith & Wesson 'Baby Russian' was the company's first .38 caliber revolver, designed for pocket carry and based on the larger .44 Russian model. It utilized the .38 S&W cartridge, originally loaded with black powder, and featured a top-break action with an automatic extractor. Early models included the rare Aldrich safety screw, and S&W produced three distinct production patterns before production ceased in 1911.









