Inside the TL Spanish copy........

Mbrgr1 · #1 01-20-2022, 04:13 PM

I have never owned or seen a triple lock S&W, I have admired all the fine examples shown here.

When this popped up, I threw in a bid and was surprised I won, but it is after all a copy, I know this can be a touchy subject, I don't condone patent infringement.

On the other hand, it is part of history, so I hope it does not violate forum rules.

So, I will not compare to the original because I don't know it, I'll leave that up to you.

I will say it appears to be well made with good attention to detail, N frame grips do not fit, the grip frame is longer as evidenced by the space between the aftermarket grips and the frame, filled in with felt strips a long time ago.

This gun was not far from being ruined by neglect and lack of lube inside, so I dove in including the TL which I was a little worried about disassembling. It's all back together and working, so I think I got it.

Opinions and comments greatly appreciated, I have some mild loads and will give it a try when it's not 18 degrees in OK.

Spain 44 TL - Google Photos

Here it is next to a real nickel 2nd model.

....

sigp220.45 · #2 01-20-2022, 04:26 PM

Wow! That is the nicest fake Smith I’ve ever seen. The stags look real and the quality seems pretty good. I would have definitely dropped a couple hundred on it, if only to have a shooter .44 Special.

Hondo44 · #3 01-20-2022, 04:35 PM

Yeah, not too shabby!

Good job, let us know how it shoots.

Pine_Worker · #4 01-20-2022, 09:04 PM

I have one like it, it is a WW2 trophy bring-back by my dad. Mine has the original wood grips. It is a quality copy but, I am unsure if the metallurgy is equivalent to the Smith TL.I have only shot mild loads thru it.

Mbrgr1 · #5 01-20-2022, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pine_Worker

I have one like it, it is a WW2 trophy bring-back by my dad. Mine has the original wood grips. It is a quality copy but, I am unsure if the metallurgy is equivalent to the Smith TL.I have only shot mild loads thru it.

Interesting, any pics? does it have a "Geco" stamp on the side like this one? It must have some German connection.

Pine_Worker · #6 01-21-2022, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbrgr1

Interesting, any pics? does it have a "Geco" stamp on the side like this one? It must have some German connection.

It came out of a house in France. I will try to post a pic tomorrow.

red9 · #7 01-21-2022, 09:58 AM

I have one, Spanish made and Argentina police marked. This is a good, but not perfect copy. The interesting one, which I no longer have, was a perfect copy on the outside. Remove the grips and sideplate, however, and you would see an excellent copy of a Colt V=spring action.

Bob

SS336 · #8 01-21-2022, 10:54 AM

That’s pretty cool. Looks like it pretty well made and will shoot fine. You did a good job of cleaning the old girl up. 👍👍 A range report is definitely in order.
Since you have done this clean up on many S&W revolvers what’s your opinion of the fit and finish of the insides? Are the tolerances tight and well finished?

2152hq · #9 01-21-2022, 11:10 AM

Looks like a very nice example!
The transfer/safety bar looks somewhat like what S&W used in the Victory and later.

Shows a Proof Date code (*/C) indicates 1929.
Shield mark is that of the Eibar, Spain Proof House
Circle/'Bomb' w/R inside is Standard 'Revolver Proof' mark

Mbrgr1 · #10 01-21-2022, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS336

That’s pretty cool. Looks like it pretty well made and will shoot fine. You did a good job of cleaning the old girl up. 👍👍 A range report is definitely in order.
Since you have done this clean up on many S&W revolvers what’s your opinion of the fit and finish of the insides? Are the tolerances tight and well finished?

Well, its pretty good, but not the same, I'll bet the difference was the machinery and time spent hand fitting.

The internal parts and barrel are all numbered to the gun, "132" in this case.

I read that Eibar steel was quite good, it seems fine on this but I have no way to judge really (except shooting)

The action is smooth, but not buttery smooth like the original.

Lockup is not the same, good, but not the same.

Overall, not a bad attempt, I read that the real thing was 5 times as expensive after importation fees and duties and that the buyers knew that S&W and Colt were superior, they just could not afford them.

Pine_Worker · #11 01-21-2022, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pine_Worker

It came out of a house in France. I will try to post a pic tomorrow.

Mine is not as good condition.

Pine_Worker · #12 01-21-2022, 02:13 PM

One more photo