Model No. 3 Schofield

Schofield Patent Revolver - In the late 1860's the U.S. Army was shopping for a breech loading fixed cartridge revolver to replace the aging 1860 Colt Army percussion revolvers. They tested the Colt single action and the S&W Model No. 3 American. The test resulted in the adoption of the Colt single action Army Model of 1873 and passing on the less powerful and more delicate 1869 S&W Model No. 3 American. Because the superior loading/reloading capability of the S&W American was recognized by Army ordnance, in 1875 Major George W. Schofield identified and Patented improvements in the design of the S&W Model No. 3 American and the Schofield Patent Revolver (Model No. 3 Schofield) was born. The S&W Model No. 3 Schofield was greatly improved over the Model No. 3 American. The latch on the Schofield can be operated with one hand while on horseback and empty cases automatically ejected. Considered by many to be superior to the Colt single action when in the hand of mounted troops... The Schofield was definitely produced ahead of its time. The Army purchased some 9000 Schofields but due to a lack of promotion by the maker, one of America's greatest firearms ceased production. The Cimarron Schofield is the most authentic replica Schofield available today.