I was having trouble with a Third Model Hand-Ejector .44, which had been my father's. It would function fine for the first few cylinders full of ammo, after which it would lock up. A gunsmith has had it for quite a while, and he finally let me know that the problem was a broken hand. He said that he had tried his usual sources and had been unable to find a replacement.

I have myself tried several on-line gun-parts suppliers (Numrich, Popperts, Bob's Gun Shop, Guns & Gun Parts), and no one seems to have one.

If anyone has any other suggestions, I'd love to hear it.

Also, I notice that a few gun-parts dealers say that they can manufacture small replacement parts. Is that a sensible way to go? Would such parts be reliable?

Thanks for any help anyone can give me.

Try David R. Chicoine, he has a lot of old S&W parts, is a Master Gunsmith and is a member of this forum. He also has a website with a parts/price list.

Does yours have the hammer block that is pinned in the sideplate? That requires the hand with the ramp like wedge on the back. Those are hard to come by. If it does not have that style of hammer block, a modern hand will work. Also even if you find a hand, if it is not wide enough, the cylinder may not carry up properly. Also I would try jhrodgers "at" sprintmail.com. He has a good inventory.