Hello everyone, I joined the forum to gain some information on my S&W 44 special hand ejector. It was passed down by my grandfather and I would like to restore it and find some more information about it. It does not have a model number on it.
It is a hand ejector, serial # 22517, chambered in 44 special, 6” barrel, fixed sights.
Additionally it does have a strain screw, butt swivel and 5 screw assembly. Thank you in advance for all the help!

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Additional photos will be attached

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Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! You have inherited a .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model from around 1925. S&W did not assign model numbers until 1957. Since it's an heirloom, you can do whatever you like to pretty it up. But, work like that typically devalues the gun to a collector and does not improve its value as a shooter. Most will recommend just cleaning it up, fixing any action issues and leaving the finish alone.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

You have a 44 - 2nd Model from the 1920s. If you open the cylinder you will probably find an eagle head Springfield inspector's mark because it was built on a leftover US 1917 frame. Most 44s built in the 20s were built on these leftover frames, so most have a swivel because the frames were already drilled for them and S&W also had plenty of leftover swivels. The mark will look like this-







I would remove the grips, soak the gun in Ed's Red (Google it) for a week, and clean it up with fine bronze wool. I would not refinish it. It got that wear from being used by you GF.


I wish I owned an old 44 with family provenance!!

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

I agree with the previous posters, "first do no harm" in your treatment of your grandfather's heirloom. A good soaking and very conservative brushing with the finest brass or copper brush and or wool should be all that is necessary to bring it back to fully functional use. I would be very careful of any brushing of the exterior, preferring a fine bronze wool for exterior use. I like the 2nd model over the other four for what I consider aesthetic reasons, its just more visually appealing and possibly balances or feels better in my hand without the ejector shroud. Congrats on a wonderful gift, I too would have valued my grandfather's firearms.

Coltbrown45, listen to these guys, they know what they’re talking about.
You have a very nice revolver there. Clean it up and enjoy it and do your Grandfather proud 👍👍

Thank you so much for the information and suggestions!! I will definitely take care of it!! A light cleaning and that’s it!!

Wonderful revolver and first post. Thanks for the photos too. Now I find myself wondering if it features the inspector's mark handejector mentions.

All pre-war Smith & Wesson .44s are yummy to me, ejector rod housing or not.

Thank you so much for the information and suggestions!! I will definitely take care of it!! A light cleaning and that’s it!! Any other cleaning tips for this piece?

If any case colors remain on the hammer and trigger, which I doubt, Don't use the bronze wool on them. It will remove any remaining colors. If they are already gone, go ahead and use it. Clean the grips with mineral spirits and a toothbrush. Do not soak them. Let them dry. Then oil them with boiled linseed oil. I dilute it 50-50 with mineral spirits. Put a coat on, let it soak in. Wipe off all you can with a paper towel. Use the toothbrush with the paper towel to wipe it out of the checkering. Let them dry 2-3 days. Add another coat- soak in, wipe off, let dry. Repeat once or twice more.
BE CAREFUL with rags and paper towels that have linseed oil in them. Those are the rags that cause spontaneous combustion. I have seen it happen. Step out in your driveway, light them, and let them burn. Don't set California on fire.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on that family heirloom!

Try to gather any information about it from the family; when he got it, how, where, and what he used it for, etc., anything and everything. That's called provenance and should be written down and kept with the gun for future generations to read.

Yes, when fine bronze wool is mentioned above, that means 0000 BRONZE wool, and not ordinary steel wool.

If yours has the eagle inspection mark, you'll see just an eagle's head with beak pointing up and an S with a number under it. Point the muzzle towards the floor to see the head as if the eagle is flying.

Be sure to shoot and enjpy it!

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Not much I can add other than congratulations on a fine revolver.
Enjoy it and think of Grandpa.

try this first. Brush the cyl and bore and go shoot it.
Leave all the wools and potions on the bench and use a cotton
rag with oil and wipe it down. Just try it.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Also, I forgot to tell you the barrel is 6-1/2", not 6".

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Nice old .44. It beats the heck out of the .32 S&W Hopkins and Allen that I inherited.

Since most people have not bought bronze wool I'll add a few places that you can buy it. Many Ace Hardware Stores have it in their paint department. The stores that do not have it on hand can order it. They charged me $7 for 3 pads a few years ago. Unlike steel wool I have not seen 0000 type numbers on bronze wool. Fine is what I usually buy. Alternatively marine stores near large marinas carry bronze wool. Yachtsmen like it because strands of steel accidentally left in their varnish can cause rust streaks. Brownell's sells it but their shipping charges can make one bag too expensive.

Remember, depending on how hard and long you rub all metal wools will remove bluing. soaking in various penetrating oils and solvents will not.

That is a nice original used but not abused condition 2nd model your grandfather left you. I just had to post to make one additional comment. After you get the gun cleaned up you just have to shoot it. Enjoy what it was meant for and you will get the same feeling and sense of amazement as your grandfather did, when you shoot it and see just how accurate it is after all these years. I have bought 100+ year old dirty S&W's cleaned them up and the first shot goes right on the bullseye. Its a sight to behold! Enjoy

Here is its brother, Jan 1924 serial 21489.


If you take the yoke and cylinder out, remember these have a spring loaded detent on the yoke that you need to watch when removing or it will go flying!


There is a thread here somewhere about it.


These are really fun guns to shoot, the 44 special is, well, special!


Please just clean it and enjoy it the way it is! M

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When words fail, music speaks.

Here you go.



Surprise! Crane detent?? c1919

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When words fail, music speaks.

Don't forget a range report when you get it out and shooting.

Don't forget to post a range report.