Japan's First Military Revolver: the S&W No.3
This video explores Japan's first military revolver, the Smith & Wesson No. 3, chambered in .44 Russian. It details how the opening of Japan by Commodore Perry in 1853 led to significant firearm imports and eventual adoption of handguns by the Imperial Army and Navy. The S&W No. 3 was the first standard sidearm, with Japan importing around 17,000 units between 1878 and 1908, including various models like the Russian and Frontier. The video also touches on Japan's subsequent development of its own top-break revolver, the Type 26, influenced by their positive experience with the S&W No. 3.












