John Taffin’s Smith & Wesson .44 Special Hand Ejector 2nd Mod. Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,700.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS021
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Hand Ejector 2nd Model
Serial Number: 36253
Year of Manufacture: 1931 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: DA/SA, 6 Shot, Swing Out, Fluted Cylinder with Ejector.
Barrel Length: 6.5″, pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a large half-moon blade fixed at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the rear of the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered magna grips with silver S&W medallions at the top. There are compression marks and handling scratches. The checkering is defined with some peak loss on the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. These stocks are not original to this revolver, and are slightly different shades. The right panel is slightly smaller than the left. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is minor fouling in the grooves. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 87% of its metal finish.There is finish loss at the muzzle. There is thinning along the barrel, leading edges of the frame and cylinder, and the backstrap. There are scratches and compression marks. There is scattered corrosion staining and oxidation forming in the scratches. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are strong with only minor use. The markings are legible. Overall, this handgun rates in Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder has minor play in the lockup. The double action trigger is smooth. The single action trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model was part of the company’s early large-frame revolver lineage and helped establish the N-frame as a durable platform for powerful service and sporting cartridges. Chambered in .44 Special, the 2nd Model combined a six-shot swing-out cylinder, hand ejector, fixed sights, and traditional double-action/single-action lockwork in a substantial but well-balanced revolver. By the early 1930s, the .44 Special had developed a strong following among knowledgeable handgunners for its accuracy, controllability, and handloading potential. This 1931 example features the desirable 6 1/2″ barrel and carries provenance to the John Taffin Collection, adding collector interest given Taffin’s extensive writing on .44-caliber sixguns and classic Smith & Wesson revolvers.
This .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model retains approximately 87% of its original blue finish, with muzzle wear, thinning along the barrel, frame and cylinder edges, and backstrap, as well as scattered scratches, compression marks, corrosion staining, oxidation in some scratches, and a cylinder turn line. The replacement Magna stocks rate in Good condition due to mismatched coloration and fit, with the right panel slightly smaller than the left, while the bright 9/10 bore has sharp rifling, minor fouling, and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly with minor play in lockup, a smooth double-action pull, and a crisp single-action pull. The included John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity adds desirable provenance. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY