Spanish Triple Lock copy sold on GB

Tom K · Mar 27, 2026

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/1165090562

Of course this isn't a true Smith & Wesson so perhaps it should go in the "Other Brands" subforum, but it is a Triple Lock. Here's the text from the item description:

Very nice and very cool Smith & Wesson First Model Hand Ejector "Triple Lock" .44 Special copy built in Spain. Interestingly, it was retailed through the German sporting goods company “Geco” and is marked with their logo on the right/front of the frame. An excellent copy of the famous design, this example in excellent condition as well. Good timing/lockup, bright sharp bore with minor frosting, nice finish, good grips - should make a fun shooter at a fraction of the price of a Smith – and if you collect “oddball” guns (or Star, Llama, Astra, etc), this piece is quite a bit rarer than the genuine article and would make an excellent addition to your collection. C&R OK where not prohibited by law.

Since GunBroker links go dead after a couple of months, here are some screenshots and pictures from the auction. The only bidder was 475bisley480 and has only three feedbacks over the past couple of years, and used the Buy Now option. If the buyer is a member on this forum we'd all like his input!

Geco logo as per the description.

Side of the barrel marked "FOR 44 SPECIAL AND U.S. SERVICE CTG". Note that unlike a S&W Triple Lock, the center pin for the ejector rod appears to be held in place with only one retaining pin - S&W Triple Locks have two.

Top of the barrel marked "P. ARANZABAL - EIBAR (ESPANA)"

Serial numbers don't mean much in this context but here it is - 322189.

I have a couple of Spanish Triple Lock copies myself, both acquired via GB. One is nickel and one is blue, both .44 Special, and have very different interior mechanisms and serial numbers. The one I have most like this gun is the nickel one, and is serial numbered relatively closely, 322375.

The Kid · Mar 27, 2026

The one in the GB add is, at a glance, the best copy I’ve seen. I’d be interested in looking under the sideplate just for fun.

stansdds · Mar 28, 2026

Interesting, but I would not have paid $950 (plus tax, shipping, and any transfer fees) for a Spanish copy of a S&W.

raljr1 · Apr 5, 2026

Not a bad looking 44 for $1000....make a nice shooter.

rockquarry · Apr 5, 2026

I've never owned a Spanish copy of an S&W and wouldn't knowingly buy one at any price. I examined one in the 1960s that belonged to a family member. It was in .32 caliber, presumably S&W Long. The gun appeared to be well made, but as I said, this was a long time ago. Aren't these guns usually considered junk?

s&wchad · Apr 5, 2026

The images are blurry, but they look like Belgium proofs to me.

desi2358 · Apr 6, 2026

rockquarry said:
I've never owned a Spanish copy of an S&W and wouldn't knowingly buy one at any price. I examined one in the 1960s that belonged to a family member. It was in .32 caliber, presumably S&W Long. The gun appeared to be well made, but as I said, this was a long time ago. Aren't these guns usually considered junk?

Spanish guns in general got a bad reputation because some of them (but not all) were really poorly made of the cheapest materials. The "soft steel" claims still abound. The better makers actually did use good steel and produced a decent quality product. The Spanish Civil War and new regulations afterward put the lower quality makers out of business but the damaged reputation remains. Over the years I've handled a number of the Spanish revolvers, some of them were well made guns, some were not. Even the better ones often had a fair amount of hand fitting so if something did fail parts were an issue. I did hold on to two of them for years, both chambered for the 32 S&W Long. One was a very good copy of a S&W Hand Ejector and the other was a line for line copy of a Colt Pocket Positive. Both guns had identical lock works to the guns they copied too, not the hybrid European style most Spanish makers used.

AudieMurphy · Apr 6, 2026

Back in the day when I was not to knowledgable I bought one that was chambered in 38 special S&W cartridge. I learned it was a copy because the cylinder swung open on the right side. then after firing it the bullet got stuck in the barrel and bulged it.

RevolverTelevision · Jun 12, 2026

I bought that one on gun broker. Here are some photos of the side plate off and next to my other 44 special S&W 1st model 44 hand ejector

RevolverTelevision · Jun 12, 2026

RevolverTelevision · Jun 12, 2026

Spanish clone with the side plate off and it laying next to a real 44 hand ejector 1st model smith. Both in 44 spl

hkcavalier · Jun 12, 2026

My real one cost less than $950 just 2 years ago...to each their own, I guess.

RevolverTelevision · Jun 12, 2026

hkcavalier said:
My real one cost less than $950 just 2 years ago...to each their own, I guess.

I had to have it to compare to my real ones. I had to nerd out i guess. I dont think I will ever come across another. They seem rare here in the states at least.

Spanish Triple Lock copy sold on GB

Tom K

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The Kid

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hkcavalier

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