Looking at two .44HE 2nd models today. When did S&W change the ejector rod knob?
Shown are .44HE 2nd models shipped in 1925 (above), and 1937 (below).
View attachment 251510
Good questions Tom and Rio,
The order to replace 'mushroom' extractor knob, with the ‘Barrel’ style (single milling cut under barrel), on all HE non-shrouded barrel models, was dated 1/22/27. All models with a barrel shroud always had the barrel style knob from they’re introduction which were only on N frames in the pre war period.
However, as we well know, changes like this did not immediately begin on the order date. Old and new parts are used simultaneously during a transition period that has been shown to last from months to years. The knob transition is more controlled by the fact that barrels with the two level milling cut for the 'mushroom'/'acorn' style knob, or single level milling cut for the 'barrel' style knob must of course, match the knob. Therefore it is my observation that the knob/barrel combination change had a speedier transition.
Therefore this feature change is a greater indication of the guns production date than of its shipping date.
Also recognizing that the "Black Thursday", Oct. 24, 1929, stock market crash was within 2 years of the change date which further exacerbated and delayed timely shipping of guns from this period.
The knob change does not correspond with the flat top strap/improved rear sight notch, however it's close. That top strap change order date is not known, but cumulative observation and collective wisdom is that the flat top strap with Sq notch rear sight revision came to the N-frame model in the 1926/1927 time frame.
This is another confusing feature because, although seen on most 1937 Brazilian 45s, most 1946 contract Brazilian 45s exhibit the rounded top strap. Due of course to the use of much earlier produced 1917 frames in 1946, and the use of these surplus 1917 frames on other models such as 44 N frames. The point is, a frame's top strap configuration is not a good predictor of the gun's production period.
So back to the knob change and the 'why' of it. Obviously the front larger surface of the mushroom knob is more comfortable on the finger, and more ergonomic. But as most changes go, it's a production short cut or simplification. IMHO, since the one piece rod with barrel style knob was already being made for all shrouded extractor rods after the separate Triple Lock knob was discontinued, therefore it was a simplification to use barrel knobs on all models, with or w/o shrouds. And on barrels w/o shrouds the two level milling cut was reduced to the single level, less time and less cost.
After the war of course we see no knobs and no milling cuts needed, they just knurled the end of the rod, then they dropped screws one by one, etc., etc., etc. The price stays lower for customers and S&W stays in business and keeps up with the competition.
I can't even imagine what a TL would cost if built today with its original features and production methods...$5000? I guess I don't feel so bad these days paying what TLs go for!
