Model 53 first frame mounted center fire??

[Model29-26.5]

Was the model 53 the first frame mounted firing pin for center fire rounds? Being a switchable rimfire to centerfire hammer, I wondered if this was the first frame mount firing pin or Have there been many others before this? Thanks

 

[Doc44]

I believe the Model 53 was the first (and only for many, many years). S&W experimented with a frame mounted firing pin for the .357 Magnum and 44 Magnum in July 1959 (Project X173), but no changes resulted.

Bill

 

[Model29-26.5]

I believe the Model 53 was the first (and only for many, many years). S&W experimented with a frame mounted firing pin for the .357 Magnum and 44 Magnum in July 1959 (Project X173), but no changes resulted.

Bill

I figured this might be the case.
It was probably the easiest solution for having two firing pins for center and rim rather than have two switchable on the hammer.
I’ll check X173. I hadn’t heard about that.