S&W Hand Ejector 3rd edition, model 1926

[benfishn]

Thanks OFT II, that narrows it down pretty good. Per SaxonPig, s/n 318xx shipped Jul 28 and yours shipped Mar 29, I would guess mine shipped Dec 28/Jan 29. I assume most all 3rd models shipped to W&K in this timeframe so it seems I don't need a paper after all.

Regards; Ben

 

[OFT II]

As you were!!!

I screwed up on my serial number. It's 32846 not 32246 and was shipped March 29, 1929.

Sorry about that.

 

[benfishn]

OFT II, no problem. Same logic applies. Between Jul 28 and Mar 29, approx 110 3rd models per month were shipped. Well theoretically at least. I've read that the s/n sequence produced by S&W was divided between 2nd models and 3rd models, I assume in no particular order. This being said, I assume my pistol was produced between Oct and Dec 28. This is close enough for me. Thanx for your help.

Ben

 

[rburg]

Great old gun. Don't let anyone cheat you out of it. The 4" barrel is sought after and hard to find.

Logic plays a role in the grips. I'd guess the originals were beat up an damaged pretty badly. The owner/grandfather went scrounging for better ones and some gun shop had a set they'd taken off a 1917 and gave/sold them to him cheap.

You have a working gun. Your experience shooting it pretty much mirrors what the rest of us have discovered about early 44s. They're hard to beat. Someplace in my piles of debris I have a 4" nickel...and a 4" New Century (TripleLock). The one I'm missing is a 2nd Model 4". They're among my favorites. Folks who don't like them probably have never owned one or shot one.

 

[benfishn]

Thanks for the reply Dick. After having this pistol for 40+ years, as the statement goes "the only way they'll get this gun is to take it out of my cold, dead hands" or get it at my estate sale. I will, however, try to find some original grips. I never had any idea they weren't the factory grips. Different subject, I've been having a lot of fun with my new M&P. It too is a very good gun.

Regards; Ben

 

[rburg]

I will, however, try to find some original grips. I never had any idea they weren't the factory grips.

Guns were made from steel and wood. Wood is soft and fairly perishable. Working cops or just outdoors people tended to brush up against vehicles and buildings and things. The steel holds up fairly well, even if the finish suffers some. The wood takes dings and chips. Over time, like decades of use, it just becomes ugly. My guess is that is what happened to your gun.

You don't really have a large field of possible donor grips. There just weren't that many N frame guns made in the 1920s. Those grips would be very similar to what's on it now, except for the lack of checkering. About the only N frame guns were the 2nd and 3rd model 44s.

Most of us here have seen the work of Keith Brown (BIS45). The only real problem with his work is he uses much better wood than the factory used. Since he custom makes each set (not cheap), you can tell him how nice or not nice you want it. Your gun would look out of place with perfect wood. Its got a few knocks over the years so the wood can very well be a little used.

You might also want to post a wanted ad here. Someone might have a set they've taken off and will part with very reasonably.

 

[Art Doc]

The 4" barrel is much less common than the 5" version. As noted the stocks are not correct and should be checkered. I would not even consider refinishing this gun. It's earned it's battle scars. We call such guns full of character.

A classic Texas cop gun.