I couldn't think of a short way to ask this question in the subject line.

I would like to learn more about the main versions of the N frame .44 Specials. I realize there are probably a number of small or minor variations, but for now would like to learn about the main Model versions. I am mostly interested in the Pre War style as oposed to the the current or recent M696 or such. I like vintage.

At this point I am only familiar with the generic terms Triple Lock and Hand Ejector and the later model 24 & 624.

I just realized this morning that there is the M1926, and it came in Military & Target versions.

I'm not trying to be lazy, I'm going through the old post via the search function to gather more knowledge. But would love to have a basic run down on the .44 Specials.

If there are any links or threads anyone can point me that would be appreciated

This Forum is so cool. The knowledge available and folks willingness to share is great but it's also nice to know that other people get so stoked about some version or variation of a gun and learn about them and hunt for them and get excited for some else finds something special.
I guess it's just good to know I'm not the only one gets like this.

Allen

I couldn't think of a short way to ask this question in the subject line.

I would like to learn more about the main versions of the N frame .44 Specials. I realize there are probably a number of small or minor variations, but for now would like to learn about the main Model versions. I am mostly interested in the Pre War style as oposed to the the current or recent M696 or such. I like vintage.

At this point I am only familiar with the generic terms Triple Lock and Hand Ejector and the later model 24 & 624.

I just realized this morning that there is the M1926, and it came in Military & Target versions.

I'm not trying to be lazy, I'm going through the old post via the search function to gather more knowledge. But would love to have a basic run down on the .44 Specials.

If there are any links or threads anyone can point me that would be appreciated

This Forum is so cool. The knowledge available and folks willingness to share is great but it's also nice to know that other people get so stoked about some version or variation of a gun and learn about them and hunt for them and get excited for some else finds something special.
I guess it's just good to know I'm not the only one gets like this.

Allen

Allen, the best place to learn obout the early .44 Special models is to get the books and study them. Get Neal & Jinks, "Smith & Wessom 1857-1945", and "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wessons", By Supica & Nahas ( 3rd edit.) plus the "History of Smith & Wesson> by Jinks. These will give you a basic knowledge of the subject, then join the S&WCA and attend the meetings and get togethers. There you will see displays and discussions on the .44 Specials and you can talk with the experts face to face. When all the the above is completed, there will be a test to see what you have learned!

Geez Ed, You never told me about the test

Dan

Yeah, now I'm concerned.
One time I studied all weekend for a urine test, and barely passed!

Allen

I'm no expert but I can try to give you a quick overview. Any info I get wrong will be correct in subsequent posts by those more knowledgeable than I. I will often use "collector terms" in describing the guns by name. The factory often used less glorious terminology.

1907- Into of the 1st Model New Century Hand Ejector Military Model .44 Special. The one pictured was made in .455 Caliber for the Brits but it essentially looks the same as the .44 Special model. Called the Triple Lock for the third locking lug under the ejector shroud.




In 1915 what collectors call the Second Model came out. It eliminated the extra locking lug and the shroud for the ejector rod. I don't own one so I can't post a photo.

The Third Model (collector term) was introduced in 1926. As with the previous 44s most were service revolvers but a few target versions with adjustable sights were made. Most of the guns made until the middle 1930s were shipped to a Texas dealer named Wolf & Klar. Most are 5" but some 4" and 6.5" guns were made. This one brought back the shroud of the 1st Model but the 3rd locking lug remained missing.



The next variation came in 1950. A fixed-sight "Military Model" and the "Target Model" (with adjustable sights) were offered. This is the Fourth Model to many collectors. Most often seen with a 6.5" barrel a few were made in 4" and 5" as well. I have a pair of 5" 1950 Targets but neither is original. They were returned to S&W in 1970 and one barrel was cut and the other was replaced with a 5" tube.



All of these guns were out of print by 1966. In 1982 the 24-3 (sort of a copy of the 1950 Target) was released for a limited run.

That's most of the classic 44 Specials.

__________________
No life story has happy end.

Get the book. If you are going to spend the money for the four types of 44 hand ejectors, you can afford the book. Commit the information to memory so you can identify what you look at. Look at and touch as many examples as you can find so you can develope a sense of value for what you see. It helps to know what a pristine type looks like compared to a used refinished shooter. Learn what wood (stocks, grips) goes with what model. Know how to check the mechcanical condition of the lockwork. These hand ejectors have been around a while and they are found in all states of wear. Here's a pic of a second model and a group pic of all four. I had a lot of fun and angst obtaining them.

__________________
Dennis

Thanks Guys,

Yes the books are defiantly on the "to get" list now.

Does anyone have a good close-up picture of the third lug? At this point I don't have a mental picture of what it is and how it locks to the crane, or the crane locks to it I guess.

Allen

The ejector rod houseing is a holdover from the triplelock. The houseing had a hole through the length of the bottom of the ejector houseing in the original triplelock. It had a metal pin or whatever that locked into the crane as a third lock. The british considered it a overkill in expense and got smith to drop it. Still worked fine. In the 3rd model smith came back with the houseing to today, but it dont serve as the original idea as a 3rd lock. Here is my triplelock that was sent back to the company in 1949 and had target sights installed.

In addition to what's been mentioned above there is the "Gun Digest Book of the 44" by John Taffin. It covers several types of guns from several manufacturers but there is a lot of good info on S&W guns and also the cartridge itself. You would probably find it interesting.

Taffin has also written several articles on the .44 special for the gun rags and perhaps someone will post links to some here.

Bob