Introduced in 1878, the New Model Number Three came with a 6 1/2 inch barrel by default, making other lengths scarce today. Fixed sights, with the one-line address on the barrel rib, "44 S. & W. CTG" on the left side of the barrel, small S&W logo on the right side of the frame and matching numbers on the barrel, cylinder, and frame. Fitted with a casehardened hammer and trigger guard, as well as a pair of checkered S&W logo grips.

Good, with 75% strong original blue finish, showing casual dents and scratches. A patch of mixed gray patina is present on the left side of the frame at the high edge near the hammer, a brown patina over the most of the cylinder with strong original blue in flutes. The latch number has been scratched and polished off as is possibly a replacement. Bright case colors remain on the hammer and guard, toning on the exposed areas. Grips are very good, with a few small dings. Mechanically very good. A rarely observed 8 inch New Model No. 3!