A Smith & Wesson 3rd Model Russian chambered in .44 Russian, with a 6 1/2-inch barrel. This antique revolver still shows roughly 60 to 70 percent of its original blue, which is more than most Russian and American models have left on them. The bore and the action are both graded excellent, and the grips are very good apart from some dents. It is sold from the supplier's Dallas location and listed as used.

This is a collector's revolver, and the finish is the reason to look at it: Russian models with this much original blue do not turn up often. In Pennsylvania it would sit in a cabinet or go to the occasional black-powder-era cartridge match rather than serve any practical carry or defense role, and .44 Russian is not a cartridge you will find on a hardware-store shelf. Private handgun transfers in Pennsylvania go through a licensed dealer or the county sheriff, so if it changes hands later, plan for that.

Key features

• .44 Russian, 6 1/2-inch barrel
• Approximately 60-70 percent original blue
• Excellent bore and action
• Grips very good with some dents
• Antique handgun, listed used

Antique or not, this revolver is sold through a Pennsylvania FFL dealer, where you complete the Form 4473 and state record of sale and the dealer runs a PICS check.