Customer Reviews

Smith & Wesson American Model

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This is the definitive reference for anyone seriously interested in this pivotal firearms model, and a fascinating read for folks who enjoy old guns, the Old West, or who have an interest in military handguns. Charles Pate is a meticulous researcher and talented writer, and much new information is presented in this well organized and wonderfully illustrated work.

I'd suggest anyone with an interest in this material acquire a copy now. This is the type of book that will run up in price dramatically if it ever goes out of print, since it is absolutely necessary for understanding the field.

I was specifically researching some of the early S&W #3s and this book perfectly matched that need; however, as I continued to read and delve into the subject, I learned that my initial questions lead to more, and due to the limited scope of this book, I'm left looking for another resource.

Essentially, if you are wanting to research, understand, or find data on the EARLY S&W #3s (the American models, as the title of the book indicates), this is a good resource. If you are interested in the other four major/broad variants of the S&W #3, you're left wanting...

I really feel a slightly longer book of this size and nature could be made more succinct without losing detail/data AND still have the other variations included. Still, if you're interest is the pre-Russian contract S&W #3, this book is about the only modern, condensed resource you'll find out there.

Smith & Wesson's initial entry into the large caliber (.44) metallic cartridge field was its so-called No. 3, later commonly referred to as the "American" to differentiate it from subsequent variations of which Russia was a major purchaser. S&W at this point (1870) still controlled the critical Rollin White patent on a revolver cylinder bored through from end to end restricting Colt and other manufacturers from marketing revolvers firing metallic cartridges loading at the rear of the cylinder. In this respect the No. 3 was a major step forward in the development of larger caliber metallic cartridge revolvers in this country. It also introduced a method of simultaneously ejecting all the fired cartridge cases at one time, a system which would be used for decades throughout the world. The No. 3 was a key element in the transition from large caliber percussion revolvers to those using metallic ammunition.

In this lavishly illustrated work of more than 400 pages, Charles Pate has presented an extremely readable and meticulously researched study of the No. 3 and its variations. While much of the book concentrates on the model's development and use for and by the U.S. and foreign armed forces, civilian variations and use are also described in detail. An interesting sidelight is the fact that S&W between 1870 and the end of 1879 sold just under 216,000 No. 3s in its various forms in this country and abroad. The highly acclaimed Colt Single Action Army revolver didn't reach this sales figure until 1901.

It's easy to see that this study of the No. 3 will remain without equal.

For those gun enthusiasts looking to learn more about the history of this gun in all of its variations, this book by Pate is a 'must have' in your library. It outlines the history of the model as well as providing insight into the design and modifications made through the guns lifetime. It comes with survival data showing specifics on many guns that were part of the original U.S. Army purchase and delivery in 1871.
While it is not an owner's manual for teardown purposes (see David R. Chicoine's fine book 'Sixguns of the Old West' for that), it is a great read that will inform and entertain even the newest of gun collectors.