u2jimbo
Member
My father left me a Smith & Wesson .44 Special. From reading various web articles, and looking at many images on the web, the one that appears to be a 'perfect' match to mine is described as a "New Century", hand ejector, triple lock revolver with a 6 ½" barrel. My pistol has the serial number '8124' stamped at the bottom of the hand grip frame as well as a number of other locations on the pistol.
How the triple lock mechanisms work goes deeper than a photo can describe. I found a write-up of the triple lock features: one lock engages the hand ejector pin into the cylinder hinge block (my terminology may be flawed); a second lock is disengaged when the Slide Release is pushed forward allowing the cylinder to fold out, and through which the forward hand ejector pin is depressed).
The description of the third lock was related to the "Yoke". A term not familiar to me. However, on inspection, I am guessing the third lock is the lug connected to or a part of the trigger which engages the six equally spaced cylinder depressions. When the trigger is pulled back ~ ⅛" that lug disengages the cylinder, allowing it to rotate. Conceptually, have I correctly identified the three locking mechanisms? If not, what am I missing?
Have I gathered enough information to be certain of what this pistol is?
Can the serial number (8124) shed any additional insight into the history or manufacture of the weapon?
Lastly, how does the marketplace go about establishing a value for such a gun? I have seen prices for similarly described pistols ranging from ~$1000 to ~$12,000. Given such a broad range I feel I could be taken advantage of if I don't have a clear understanding of how to value this revolver.
Thank-you for any insights you may be able to provide.
Jim
How the triple lock mechanisms work goes deeper than a photo can describe. I found a write-up of the triple lock features: one lock engages the hand ejector pin into the cylinder hinge block (my terminology may be flawed); a second lock is disengaged when the Slide Release is pushed forward allowing the cylinder to fold out, and through which the forward hand ejector pin is depressed).
The description of the third lock was related to the "Yoke". A term not familiar to me. However, on inspection, I am guessing the third lock is the lug connected to or a part of the trigger which engages the six equally spaced cylinder depressions. When the trigger is pulled back ~ ⅛" that lug disengages the cylinder, allowing it to rotate. Conceptually, have I correctly identified the three locking mechanisms? If not, what am I missing?
Have I gathered enough information to be certain of what this pistol is?
Can the serial number (8124) shed any additional insight into the history or manufacture of the weapon?
Lastly, how does the marketplace go about establishing a value for such a gun? I have seen prices for similarly described pistols ranging from ~$1000 to ~$12,000. Given such a broad range I feel I could be taken advantage of if I don't have a clear understanding of how to value this revolver.
Thank-you for any insights you may be able to provide.
Jim
), however, I was raised in a military family and spent time myself as a Combat Engineer. I also graduated with an engineering degree. I appreciate fine design, engineering and craftsmanship, particularly military equipment.
