Hand Ejector Milestones

[DARE]

The hand ejector is the style of handgun that epitomizes S&W to the world. Have been thinking about the milestones along that road. Here are some that I have that I consider to be milestones. Not a complete list.
1. Model of 1902. .38 S&W Special, K-Frame and the first gun with the front locking point.
2. Model of 1905 1st Change. Adds the square butt, the 5th screw and the lockwork design that became the standard for the next 100 years.
3. .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model (New Century, Triple-Lock, .44 Military-Model of 1908). The first N Frame, the first .44 Special, shrouded extractor rod and of course the 3rd lock.
4. K-22 Outdoorsman. .22LR, K-Frame, counter-bored cylinder, serrated backstrap forestrap and trigger.
5. .357 Magnum. "The most important handgun developed in the twentieth century." - Roy Jinks
N Frame, counter-bored cylinder, extractor shroud, the first Magnum.
6. .357 Combat Magnum. K-Frame, first 4-screw frame, extractor shroud, the first medium frame Magnum. The brainchild of Bill Jordan.
7. .44 Magnum. "Most Powerful Handgun in the World." N Frame, Target Trigger and Hammer, RRWO sights, shrouded extractor rod and counter-bored cylinder. Elmer Keith encouraged Carl Helstrom to build it. "If you build it they will come."

 

[45NUTT]

My sentiments exactly! Very nice Dare.

 

[kscharlie]

I certainly have no quibble regarding your milestones. However, to me the most important milestone for Hand Ejectors is the Model of 1896 .32 S&W Long. This was the very first solid frame swing-out cylinder gun manufactured by S&W. It is the gun that was the basis for every other Hand Ejector ever made, regardless of caliber or frame size.

 

[USSR]

Let's not forget the .38/44 Outdoorsman, without which the .357 Magnum would not be here.

Don

 

[lestert357]

Besides those mentioned above, maybe add the Model 460XVR, the Model S&W500, and the Model 350 to your beautiful collection!

 

[coolbreezy]

Let's not forget the .38/44 Outdoorsman, without which the .357 Magnum would not be here.

Don

The 38/44’s are the most interesting and intriguing N-frames IMO.

 

[JH1951]

I'll submit the Chiefs Special for consideration.

 

[Engine49guy]

Very nice collection,
My OCD has me agreeing a pre war .38/44 Outdoorsman in between the K22 OD and Reg Mag makes sense,
Also, a K22/40 after the Reg Mag (first micrometer Masterpiece rear sight) is a milestone IMO.
The Combat Magnum is interesting as the first K Magnum and first 4 screw frame especially considering the .44 Magnums appear about the same time but those have 5 screw frames that continued sometime into 1957.

 

[steelslaver]

You have a nice group

To me the 1896 is a biggy as it was the beginning of the swing out cylinder
the 1898 the first 38 special
then the 1902 as it added the front lug
the 1905 refined the mechanisms
Then the New Century as it was the first N frame
the 1917 went to war big time
the registered magnum started pushing for more power "Magnum"
the J frame 38 special the all time hide out/ backup gun
the 44mag iconic

the model 25s in 45 colt because I love em

The 500 S&W X frame the MONSTER of wheel guns

The scandium guns light weight power houses