Triple Lock 1st Model?? Im clueless

[Lee308]

1) HE
2) 6363
3) 44 Special
4) 4”
5) Fixed

It is what I believe to be Nickle plated as well... I have looked everywhere and cannot seem to figure out the exact Model hand ejector I have.

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

You have a 4" 1st model .44 Special. It is also known as the New Century and as the Triple Lock. Some time in the past, it has been nickel plated, but the job was not done at the factory. I presume you took the number 6363 from the butt. The grips are not factory either, but are very nice.

[lamarw]

It is a triple lock. Welcome to the Forum. You started out with a nice first post. Please provide additional pictures if you will and the caliber. The barrel looks a little short for what I am familiar with.

[SAFireman]

Looks like a Triple Lock to me. Is it 44 Special?

It looks like it belongs in my collection

[delta-419]

A great entry post, its going to be a challenge to improve on it. Does the barrel have a 3 line address/patent date on the side of the barrel? More clear photos would be helpful for us collectors. Welcome to the forum.

[LLOYD17]

That looks like a lot of fun.

Not seeing the patent markings on the side of the barrel and the barrel pin has been messed with. Those steerhead MOP grips are great. I saw two sets for sale at a show here last weekend for $500 each.

[andy52]

Originally Posted by LLOYD17

That looks like a lot of fun.

Not seeing the patent markings on the side of the barrel and the barrel pin has been messed with. Those steerhead MOP grips are great. I saw two sets for sale at a show here last weekend for $500 each.

Can I ask what vendor had those for sale, you also mention a unusual revolver in another post where they the same vendor.
Those on the OP are Eagles if I'm seeing them correctly.

[LLOYD17]

Originally Posted by andy52

Can I ask what vendor had those for sale, you also mention a unusual revolver in another post where they the same vendor.
Those on the OP are Eagles if I'm seeing them correctly.

Definitely didn’t look close enough.

I didn’t get his name but I’m sure he’s a regular.

[mrcvs]

As mentioned above, the presence of a 3 line barrel address is important as it can establish that the barrel was originally 4", and not cut, without a factory letter. I have read or heard that only 100 or 125 Triple Lock revolvers were originally manufactured with a 4" barrel and nickel finish. So, if original, an uncommon variation. The other two I've seen, one of which I own, lost their original stocks long ago and were renickeled. I'm starting to think most, or all of these, saw hard use due to the perceived durability of the nickel finish and the easier ability to conceal. In fact, due to the lack of original finish and a short barrel, I use mine as my CCW.

However, I have been surprised before on this forum. No doubt someone will produce a factory original Triple Lock with a 4" barrel in pristine condition.

I have attached photographs of Triple Lock revolvers with nickel finish in 61/2", 5", and 4" barrel lengths, for reference.

[Lee308]

Sorry guys I thought I attached more pictures..

[Lee308]

And a few more just for good measure. I’d also like to get a letter for this. How would I go about doing that?

[Muley Gil]

Go here:


Smith & Wesson Collectors Association

[mrcvs]

Unfortunately, because of the truncated two line barrel address, your revolver most likely started out with a standard barrel length of 6 1/2" and likely was refinished at the time the barrel was cut and the front sight was relocated. Nonetheless, given your revolver, being refinished with a cut barrel, has little value, you now have a decent-albeit a bit on the heavy side-concealed carry weapon.

[Green Frog]

Not to dispute the word of mrcvs too stridently, I feel the phrase “has little value” is too harsh a term. It’s still a good, solid Triple Lock, and while the collectors of high end examples of S&W might turn up their noses, those of us with more pedestrian tastes (and wallets) would regard that as a nice acquisition. I wouldn’t be surprised to find it had spent its entire life in Texas as the faithful companion of some working cowboy or lawman. Congratulations on a nice find.

Froggie

[Lee308]

Thank you, guys very much. You are correct.. it was handed down from a man that was a Police Officer for a long time.

[mrcvs]

Originally Posted by Green Frog

Not to dispute the word of mrcvs too stridently, I feel the phrase “has little value” is too harsh a term. It’s still a good, solid Triple Lock, and while the collectors of high end examples of S&W might turn up their noses, those of us with more pedestrian tastes (and wallets) would regard that as a nice acquisition.

I should clarify.

My intent was to point out that this has little value relative to what most other Triple Lock revolvers might cost, so it can be carried with little regard to wear, etc.

Would I be pleased to own it? Certainly. It IS a Triple Lock.

I paid slightly over $800 about 5 years ago for my refinished Triple Lock with an original 4" barrel. Not a screaming bargain, but not too much, either. The other nickel Triple Lock with a 4" barrel and refinished that I am aware of was purchased for less than mine cost and more recently too, IIRC.

With a cut barrel, it's good cheap fun! A great way to join the Triple Lock club and have something to shoot, too!

[Muley Gil]

Fixed it:

"has little collectors value..."

[delcrossv]

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

Fixed it:

"has little collectors value..."

But LOTS of enjoyment value!

[Marshal tom]

Think a letter would be a good idea.

[Muley Gil]

Originally Posted by delcrossv

But LOTS of enjoyment value!

Oh yeah!!!

I own one TL, a 5" that has been parkerized. I paid waaay too much for it, but I wanted a 5" and at the time, there were few to be had. It may not be a collectors piece, but it shoots great. I have NEVER regretted buying it.