The Smith and Wesson Model No. 3 top-break revolver was introduced by them in 1870. This interesting and very functional pistol was designed by Major George Schofield. The Major’s idea was for easy reloading of a sidearm while on horseback. With the Major’s modifications of the first model for cavalry use, Smith and Wesson produced the S&W Model No. 3 Schofield in 1875 which was named after Major Schofield. They also produced a version for the Russian military which is called the .44 Russian. Reportedly, the Russian government reversed engineered this pistol and then refused to pay. This almost bankrupted Smith and Wesson. I guess stealing designs of our military equipment have not really changed much in the last 146 years.
The S&W No. 3 was produced in many different calibers. The calibers were, .45 Long Colt, .44 S&W American, .44 Henry Rimfire, .44-40, .32-44, .38-44, 44 Russian and .45 Schofield or .45 S&W. The “Schofield” model saw service in the “Indian Wars” and as late as the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War. Because of the use by the military, the Schofield was wildly popular with lawmen of the time. Outlaws such as Jesse James, Bob Ford (used to kill Jesse) as well as Billy the Kid, John Wesley Hardin, Pat Garrett, Theodore Roosevelt, Virgil and Wyatt Earp were reported to carry the Schofield. Wyatt Earp used his S&W No. 3 at the O.K. Corral against the Clanton Gang.
Taylor’s and Company says on their website, link below, the “Schofield features a forged steel case hardened frame, charcoal blue barrel & cylinder, and a two-piece walnut grip. This Schofield has a Charcoal Blue finish which is a delicate over-oxidized bluing that when new it is a bright blue color and over time with use it will naturally patina to a soft grey. The aging process takes a long time with this finish, but is very beautiful.”
Test & Evaluation
The sample Schofield I was sent has an excellent beautiful Charcoal Blue finish on the cylinder and barrel which really sets the appearance off with the forged steel case hardened frame. Just Striking. The two-piece walnut grip fits my hand well which is extremely helpful in hitting what you are aiming at. A great package very pleasing to the eye.
In checking the mechanics of the Taylor’s Schofield, I found the cylinder locked in place when cocking the hammer back. The top-break locks up tight but not too tight but perfectly. There was absolutely no wiggle of any kind which brought to mind the term “Rock of Gibraltar”. A saying of my generation which means very safe or solid. For you young’uns who have no clue….Google it.
The action on this Schofield was excellent. There was very little creep in the trigger which made it easier to hit the six-inch metal plates at the range. I love the action and feel it is equal to my Colt SAA which was made in 1999.
The top-break action ejected the shells very easily. I just pulled back on the latch and flipped the barrel downward and the cases flew out. If I was to perform this action slower, a little shaking of the Schofield would be needed to remove all empties. Once fired no cases showed signs of swelling. I was shooting Hornadys’ 45 Colt 255gr lead bullet Cowboy rounds and HSM Cowboy 45 Colt 200gr lead bullet. Hornady comes 20 rounds to a box and the HSM rounds come 50 to a box. They both were very comfortable to shoot with vary manageable recoil.
The Hornady Cowboy ammo was very fun to shoot as was the HSM ammo. Their accuracy is excellent. The Schofield shot about five inches high at 20 yards with both HSM and Hornady. The rounds fired were centered with no left or right variation. The accuracy of the Schofield is very good to excellent. I did not have enough ammo to bench test for groupings for each brand. I decided to shoot metal plates for performance of the revolver and ammo. Mostly, I could hit a six-inch metal plate at 20 yards fairly reliably. I shot up about ten rounds before I realized the rounds were going about five-inches high. I could hit the 12-inch plate from 20 yards every time. At 12 yards I could hit and knock down every six-inch plate with ease.
Because of the original design by Smith and Wesson, the Schofield is somewhat heavier on the end than say a sing-action-army style revolver. This noticeable feeling faded away as I shot this amazing firearm. I believe the five-inch barrel is perfect for all chores and types of carry. Taylor’s & Company offers this and their other Schofields in three-barrel lengths. The lengths offered are a 3.5, 5 and 7 inches. Visually, the 3.5 inch is cool looking and could be used to carry a more concealable Schofield. The calibers offered in this revolver are 44-40 Winchester, .45 Long Colt and .38 special.
Kirkpatrick Rough Riders – Model 1878
Since 1950 Kirkpatrick Leather has been making holsters in the great state of Texas by American craftsmen from American leather. I could tell my sample holster and gun-belt was sewn using seven cord bonded nylon thread and was double stitched in all critical areas. The heavy weight construction also makes sure this holster will stay open when re-holstering. The sample holster was molded for a perfect fit. I use to make my own holsters and learned the right way to sew them.
The Rough Riders gun-belt has 24 hand molded bullet loops and equipped with high quality solid steel and brass hardware. The craftsmanship is superb. The leather is first rate. And best of all, this rig is made in the USA by American workers. The sample Taylor’s & Company Schofield Charcoal Blue five inch fit perfectly in the Rough Riders suede lined holster. A very functional latigo hammer tie down tops off this great holster. My sample also had rawhide strip for those who want to tie the holster down to their leg. Great rig from a great American company.
Conclusion
The Taylor’s & Company’s Top-Break Schofield with the case hardened charcoal blue finish is an amazing product. Originally this revolver was made in Italy by Uberti. Taylor & Company acquire most of their products from Uberti. This Schofield I received was made in Italy by Uberti. Taylor’s & Company received this pistol and give it to their gunsmith to give it the “once over”. After some minor adjustments Taylor’s & Company then sells them to their customers.
My sample of the Taylor’s & Company Schofield revolver tested out to be an excellent firearm. I would say this Schofield is equal to the quality of my Colt SAA. I loved shooting the Schofield at the range and can see why they are so popular. I believe the .45LC Schofield would be ideal for those who like carrying a single action revolver while in the field hunting, camping or hiking. This revolver is very dependable. Going out and homicide a few tin cans or anything not moving, would be a good past-time as well. I am impressed with the Taylor’s & Company Schofield. A very good friend of mine who is also a single action fan told me he likes this firearms company and recommends them to others. The Kirkpatrick Santa Fe – 1860 holster rig would be perfect for backpackers and those assassins of zombie-tin cans. The holster can be worn on the strong side as well as cross-draw. If you are looking for a single action Schofield, check out the Taylor’s & Company products. They have some cool and interesting firearms.
The Hornady and HSM ammo are some of the finest on Planet Earth. Hornady’s 255gr 45LC shot with a little more recoil than the HSM 200gr which has to do with Newton’s third law, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”. For us Bible clinging, gun toting types, this means the heaver the projectile, the more the recoil. Check both excellent brands out on the links below.
Taylor’s Schofield Top-Break Specs
- Barrel Length: 5 inches
- Caliber: .45LC
- Capacity: 6
- Weight: 2.90 pounds
- Finish: Charcoal Blue & Case Hardened
- Grip/Stock: 2-piece Walnut
- Manufacturer: Uberti
- Sights: Front- Blade, Rear Notch
- Overall Length: 10.75 inches
MSRP: $1,254.00
Kirkpatrick’s Santa Fe – Model 1860
“The Santa Fe” The Mexican three-inch double loop holster was predominantly used in the mid to late 1800’s. It was used by Mexican vaqueros and early settlers of the Southwest. The Santa Fe is Kirkpatrick’s answer to many requests for an authentic version of this rig.
The Santa Fe has a three-inch-wide belt. It also has twenty-four hand molded bullet loops, genuine latigo leg and hammer tie downs. In the tradition of the Old West, this model is finished with a hand stamped border which highlights this beautiful hand-dyed rig. Available for Colt and Ruger single action revolvers and some double action revolvers. The Santa Fe can be built for the Schofield Taylor’s as well.
We have been proudly making our custom holsters right here in the great state of Texas, since 1950. All our holsters are custom made from high quality American leather. MSPR: $360
Taylor’s & Company
https://taylorsfirearms.com/
Schofield Charcoal Blue
https://taylorsfirearms.com/catalog/product/view/id/5395/s/schofield-charcoal-blue/category/343/
Kirkpatrick Custom Holsters
https://www.kirkpatrickleather.com/
Santa Fe – Model 1860
https://www.kirkpatrickleather.com/product/santa-fe-model-1860/
Hornady
https://www.hornady.com/
45 Colt 255 gr Cowboy™
https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/handgun/45-colt-255-gr-cowboy#!/
HSM Ammunition
https://hsmammunition.com/
HSM-45C-2-N, 200gr. Round Nose Flat Point-Hard
https://hsmammunition.com/cowboy-action/
