I inherited a S&W revolver chambered in a .44 S&W Special recently and am hoping for some help to figure out just what I have here.

I suspect it is a New Century, but I believe there are 3 different models of the New Century. It has 6 1/2" barrel, walnut grips, no model number and a serial number of 143xx. There is an ejector shroud. It may have triple lock - I'm not sure how to tell. There are 3 clicks made when pulling back the hammer. S&W logo is on right below the hammer. "44 S&W SPECIAL CTG" is on right side of barrel. On top of the barrel are 6 patent dates, preceded by "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT'D..." then goes on with dates of 1894, 1895, 1896, 1901, 1901 and 1906. It has adjustable rear sight (horizontal and vertical screw adjustments). I am about to spring for the $50 S&W letter but I'm not really looking to sell this- just to figure out what it is.

I shot this a lot as a kid and it's still in great shape.

Any help?

Sounds like it could be a Triple Lock Target (rare revolver). The third locking point can be seen by opening the cylinder and looking at the back of the ejector rod shroud and the yoke. If the third locking point is there, it is definitely a T-lock Target in 44 Special caliber.

Bill

I'm not a collector so I'm not sure if you have a 1st or 2nd Model Hand Ejector. The serial # seems to indicate it was made between 1914 and 1915.

Sounds to me like you'd better go ahead and spring for the letter.

A triple lock has a case-hardened cam plate on the yoke that looks like this when the cylinder is open for loading:



When closed, it looks like this:



I'm with Doc44; I think you have an early Triple Lock target model. Good for you!

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David Wilson

Wow, this forum is amazing and I appreciate the quick and detailed replies. The photos flagged it for me -- definitely a triple lock. With the ejector shroud + triple lock I think that makes it New Century 1st Model. So 1914-1915 makes sense, since they stopped these in 1915. Looks like I got one of the last. Now I'll have to spring for the letter.
Thanks guys.

Grandpa Si

Can you post some pictures. Would like to see since it appears to be a rare target model.
baldeagle8888

By chance, does it have a adjustable rear sight? If it does, you hit the jackpot! Even with fixed sights it is very desireable.

He said it did in his post.

Your right! I see that now. I shoulda went to night school!

You are right - adjustable rear sights (target sights). I sent off for the letter from S&W. I also was having a bit of misalignment between the hammer and trigger internally when firing from a cocked hammer. A gunsmith is realigning them.