Smith & Wesson 44 Hand Ejector SA/DA Revolver Triple Lock 44 Special 3.75”
SOLD FOR: $1,200.00
LSB#: WY250125BC002
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model, New Century, Triple Lock, .44 Military-Model of 1908, 5-Screw, Square Butt N-Frame
Serial Number: 3940
Year of Manufacture: 1909 (C&R Eligible)
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel has about half of the original S&W Address. The crane cut and frame are marked with the serial number and model designation.
Barrel Length: 3.75” (Cut from original length), Pinned, with a shrouded ejector rod.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade on a raised, pinned boss. The rear sight is a notch cut into the top strap.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons in the Magna style. They show a few small compression marks, the most noticeable on the bottom edge of the left panel. The inside of the panels have gathered some rust from the grip frame. The checkering remains strong, and there are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Chrome
Finish Originality: Not Original (Refinished)
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is light fouling but no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 85% of its current chrome finish. There are small nicks, hairline scratches, and some finish flaking, notably on the cylinder face and side plate. There is a very light, intermittent turn line that is not through the finish. The ejector rod shroud has tiny scuffs. The screw heads show light use but remain sharp. The markings are clear. Given its 116-year age, this revolver remains in good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces light side-to-side movement. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, and the single-action pull is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a zipper pouch.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model, known as the New Century or Triple Lock, is one of the most desirable vintage revolvers. Introduced in 1907, this was S&W’s first large-frame swing-out cylinder revolver and set the standard for big-bore double-action handguns. The “Triple Lock” moniker comes from its additional yoke lock, which was later eliminated in subsequent models to reduce manufacturing costs.
This particular example, manufactured in 1909, has been cut down from its original 6.5” barrel and refinished in chrome. While modified, the revolver retains its original checkered walnut Magna-style grips and maintains rock-solid mechanics with a strong bore. Despite its age, the revolver is still fully functional and built with the craftsmanship that made these early N-frames legendary.
For collectors of early S&W revolvers, this is an opportunity to own a piece of history. While not in its original configuration, it remains an excellent example of the iconic Triple Lock, offering both historical significance and practical shooting capability. Properly cared for, this revolver will continue to serve for generations to come. So bid high and bid firm. Please take a look at the condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
