Toolroom Prototype Smith & Wesson No.3 Revolver

Published on August 29, 2020
Duration: 7:13

This video examines a rare toolroom prototype of the Smith & Wesson No.3 revolver, based on an 1873 patent. Unlike standard top-break models, this prototype features a unique side-pivoting barrel mechanism and a gear-driven extractor. While intended to simplify manufacturing and cost, its complex operation ultimately prevented it from reaching production.

Quick Summary

A rare toolroom prototype of the Smith & Wesson No.3 revolver featured a unique side-pivoting barrel and a gear-driven extractor, deviating from the standard top-break design. While intended to simplify manufacturing and costs, its complex operation ultimately prevented it from entering mass production.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: S&W No.3 Prototype
  2. 00:51Comparison: Prototype vs. Standard No.3 Russian
  3. 01:35Prototype Mechanical Operation Explained
  4. 02:41Design Goals: Simplicity & Cost Reduction
  5. 04:36Why the Prototype Failed Production

Frequently Asked Questions

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

This prototype features a rare side-pivoting barrel mechanism and a gear-driven extractor, differing significantly from the standard top-break design of the production No.3 models. It was an experimental attempt to simplify manufacturing.

Why did the S&W No.3 prototype not enter production?

The prototype's operation was deemed too cumbersome for widespread use. It required a complex sequence of movements to open and load, making it less efficient than the simpler, faster top-break action of the standard production No.3 revolvers.

What were Daniel Wesson's design goals for this S&W No.3 prototype?

Daniel Wesson aimed to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce production costs by eliminating the complex extractor spring assembly found in other models. He also sought to prevent accidental cartridge ejection.

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