1872 N.3 American 2nd Model

The Smith & Wesson N.3 American 2nd Model holds a special place in the evolution of handguns in the 19th century. Produced between 1872 and 1874, it represented a refinement of the original Model 3 American—one of the very first large-caliber, cartridge-firing revolvers to gain widespread attention in the United States and abroad.

The top-break design of the Model 3 was a significant innovation that allowed shooters to reload far more quickly: by simply flipping the barrel down, the revolver automatically ejected all six spent shells at once, making it a favorite for anyone who valued speed and efficiency in a fight.

The 2nd Model introduced mechanical improvements over its predecessor, including a more reliable extractor system and slight changes to the frame that made manufacturing and maintenance easier. Though the U.S. military only adopted it in limited numbers, thanks to its features, the revolver found enthusiastic users on the American West frontier.

Its reputation spread beyond American borders. Foreign governments took note of Smith & Wesson’s innovation—Russia, in particular, placed a large order for a modified version of the Model 3, which led to the development of the .44 Russian cartridge. The revolver was also sold in Europe and Japan, and its mechanical ideas would later influence several other handgun designs globally.

Although it was eventually overshadowed by Colt’s solid-frame revolvers and Smith & Wesson’s own Schofield variant, the Model 3 American 2nd Model played a pivotal role in the transition from percussion arms to metallic cartridge firearms. It combined elegance and mechanical ingenuity, making it a prized possession at a time when reliable firepower could mean the difference between life and death.