The first large-bore cartridge from Smith & Wesson's top-break revolver era, adopted by the US Army in 1870. The Russian government's demand for improvements to this cartridge produced the superior .44 Russian design.
Type: Revolver
Introduced: 1869, United States
Parent case: None
Standardization: None
Bullet diameter: 0.434" (11.02 mm)
Case length: 0.91" (23.11 mm)
Max pressure: 18,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Pistol
Typical twist rate: 1:20
Muzzle velocity: 650–700 fps
Muzzle energy: 204–237 ft-lbs
Effective range: 40 yd
Common bullet weights: 218 gr
Primary use: Military, Self Defense
Production status: Discontinued
Also known as: .44 American · .44 S&W
History: Introduced in 1869 for the S&W Model 3 top-break revolver. The US Army adopted it in 1870 — briefly replacing the cap-and-ball era. When Russia contracted for S&W revolvers, their ordnance officers specified improvements that produced the .44 Russian. The original .44 American was overshadowed by its successor almost immediately. Original revolvers are 19th-century antiques; ammunition must be…
Notable firearms: Smith & Wesson Model 3 American
Military use: United States
Similar cartridges: .44 Russian, .44 Special