John Taffin’s Smith & Wesson 44 Special Hand Ejector 2nd Model Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS017
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Hand Ejector 2nd Model
Serial Number: 32545
Year of Manufacture: 1929 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: DA/SA, 6 Shot, Swing Out, Fluted Cylinder with Ejector.
Barrel Length: 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 light handling scratches and compression marks. The checkering is defined with minor peak loss. There are no chips or cracks. These stocks are not original to this revolver. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is minor fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.75/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is finish loss at the muzzle, topstrap, leading edges of the frame and cylinder, and along the grip straps. There are scattered scratches and compression dings throughout. There is corrosion staining and freckling sporadically along the barrel, frame, and cylinder. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The screws show signs of minor use with strong slots. 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 lock up. 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 late 1920s, the .44 Special had earned a strong following among knowledgeable handgunners for its accuracy, mild recoil relative to its bore size, and considerable handloading potential. This 1929 example also 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 85% of its original blue finish, with muzzle and edge wear, finish loss along the topstrap and grip straps, scattered scratches and compression marks, sporadic corrosion staining and freckling, and a cylinder turn line. The replacement Magna stocks remain in Fine condition, while the bright 8.75/10 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