Fourth Model Hand Ejector

[keithherrington]

What exactly constitutes a "Fourth Model Hand Ejector?" I've seen that nomenclature used but never backed up with documentation. I've seen variations as well such as "Fourth Model 1950 Target." What I need to know is whether that is a factory designation, found in factory literature, or rather is it a name associated with specific modifications or a specific time period by authors, collectors and other experts to help them differentiate between similar configurations.

If addressed in a previous thread please provide the link.
Keith

 

[Art Doc]

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Nahas.

 

[Doc44]

The Fourth Model Hand Ejector has design changes that "modernized" this series of revolvers (ribbed barrel, short throw hammer, etc.). These revolvers were cataloged by S&W as the Model of 1950 44 Target, Model of 1950 44 Military, Model of 1950 45 Target, etc. since this new line was introduced in 1950.

Published literature often refers to the Fourth Model Hand Ejector since the design changes were the fourth to be applied to this line of revolvers, but S&W did not use the term in its advertising (at least that I know of).

Bill

 

[BUFF]

Roy Jinks, in his book "HISTORY OF SMITH & WESSON" uses the term. He calls, for example, the .44 Special adjustable sight gun the ".44 Hand Ejector Fourth Model Of 1950, Target". What we commonly call the 1926 Model is the ".44 Hand Ejector Third Model." The Triple Lock is the ".44 Hand Ejector First Model."

Obviously, at least the Triple Lock's designaation of such was post-introduction, as they didn't know there would be a .44 Hand Ejector Second Model at the time!

 

[phenson]

This is something that I was looking for the answer as well. Good info. Now I'm probably going to ask what may be a really dumb question, but I really want to know. Is the model of 1955 considered the 5th model, or is the addition of the heavy barrel just considered a modification to the 4th model?

 

[Doc44]

The answer is no, it is called the Model of 1955 Target 45.

Bill

 

[keithherrington]

Roy Jinks, in his book "HISTORY OF SMITH & WESSON" uses the term. He calls, for example, the .44 Special adjustable sight gun the ".44 Hand Ejector Fourth Model Of 1950, Target". What we commonly call the 1926 Model is the ".44 Hand Ejector Third Model." The Triple Lock is the ".44 Hand Ejector First Model."

Obviously, at least the Triple Lock's designaation of such was post-introduction, as they didn't know there would be a .44 Hand Ejector Second Model at the time!

Buff, When Roy uses that term is it your understanding that he is applying it to all 1950 models, or just the target models. I'm trying to determine whether the Military models would be included in nomenclature.
Keith

 

[Doc44]

In Roy's book, he applies the term to all 1950 Models, including the 1950 Military.

Bill