Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model .44 Spl DA/SA Revolver, 1925 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,984.00
LSB#: WY240925JT057
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model, 5-Screw, Square Butt N-Frame
Serial Number: 89623
Year of Manufacture: April 3, 1925
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the top is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED DEC. 17.1901. FEB. 6. 1906. SEP. 14. 1909”, the right is marked “44 S&W. SPECIAL CTG”, flanked by crosses. The butt of the grip frame, barrel flat, rear of the cylinder, rear flat of the yoke, and ejector star are marked with the serial number. The left of the frame has the S&W monogram logo. There are inspection marks on the sides of the grip frame. All parts are serial number matching including the grips.
Barrel Length: 5”, Pinned, with un-shrouded ejector rod.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded half-moon blade with a rectangular base, integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notch on the frame’s top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. The butt of the grip frame has a lanyard ring. There are light handling marks throughout. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some small spots of finish loss and light oxidation spots throughout. There are some little nicks and a few small hairline scratches. There is some thinning and finish loss on some of the edges. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Factory letter.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model in .44 Special is a classic example of early 20th-century large-frame revolver craftsmanship, designed for both law enforcement and sporting use. Built on the N-Frame, this revolver was an evolution of the First Model New Century (Triple Lock), simplifying the design by removing the third locking lug while maintaining the strength and smooth action that made the original a favorite. The .44 Special cartridge was developed to offer increased accuracy and power over its predecessor, the .44 Russian, making this revolver a preferred choice among sportsmen, target shooters, and law enforcement officers of the era. Its solid construction and excellent balance ensured it remained a reliable and accurate option in the revolver market. One of the defining features of the 2nd Model Hand Ejector is its smooth double-action/single-action trigger, allowing shooters to fire in rapid double-action mode for defensive situations or single-action for precise, deliberate shots. The large frame and well-contoured grip provide excellent recoil management, making the .44 Special cartridge comfortable to shoot while still offering effective stopping power. The revolver’s 6.5-inch barrel (or other available lengths) provides an extended sight radius, improving accuracy for both target shooting and hunting applications. The deep blue finish and checkered walnut grips exemplify Smith & Wesson’s attention to detail and fine craftsmanship, making these revolvers not only functional tools but also works of art from the golden era of revolver manufacturing.
For collectors and vintage revolver enthusiasts, the Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model is a highly desirable piece of history. As one of the earliest and most refined N-Frame revolvers, it represents a time when Smith & Wesson was at the forefront of large-caliber revolver production. The .44 Special chambering remains a favorite among handloaders and traditionalists, offering excellent accuracy and manageable recoil. Whether acquired as a collector’s piece, a historically significant firearm, or a functional shooter, this revolver stands as a testament to Smith & Wesson’s legacy of producing some of the finest double-action revolvers in American history. -R.E.
