Performance center Model Heg .45 colt: no, it's not quite a Triple-Lock, but S&W's new hand-ejector is a mighty fine sixgun

Guns Magazine, Dec, 2002 by John Taffin

Smith & Wesson's first double action sixguns appeared in 1881 with the introduction of the top-reak .44 Double Action First Model. As with their earlier single action models, these six-shot revolvers were hinged at the front of the frame with a locking latch at the rear of the top-swap above the hammer.

When the latch was opened and the barrel allowed to tip forward, cartridges were automatically ejected from the cylinder. The shooter could then reload, return the barrel to its upright position, and be ready to shoot all in a matter of a very few seconds. A most efficient design -- but not overly strong.

Stronger And Better

In 1907, Smith & Wesson redesigned their DA big bore sixgun to a solid frame with swing-out cylinder. It was not as fast to operate as the top break design but was significantly stronger, eventually being chambered for the .357, .44, and .41 Magnums. That first S&W solid frame double action revolver -- which would become the sixgun by which all subsequent DA revolvers would be judged -- was the .44 Hand Ejector First Model, or as it is most affectionately known, the Triple-Lock.

This first .44 Special would be manufactured from 1907 to 1915 with a total of 15,375 being made in both adjustable- and fixed-sighted versions. Barrel lengths offered were 4-, 5-, 6 1/2- and 7 1/2-inches. As with all S&W DA revolvers manufactured since, this First Model Hand Ejector locked up at the rear of the cylinder and the front of the ejector rod.

This arrangement actually began with the .38 Military & Police Second Model of 1902. However, this first .44 Special was unique in that it boasted a third locking feature. The crane locked into the frame with a superbly crafted third lock that was made without the advantage (disadvantage?) of modern machinery. The Triple-Lock was also the first double action Smith & Wesson to have an enclosed or shrouded ejector rod.

Stable Of Memorable Sixguns

Many sixgunners would say this was the finest Smith & Wesson ever built. Perhaps, and only perhaps, it was challenged by the pre-War .357 Registered Magnums and/or the pre-Model 29 .44 Magnums of 1956. Unfortunately, the only thing that we can count on never changing is the fact that there will always be change. Thus in 1915, the Triple-Lock changed dramatically to be able to lower the retail price by two dollars.

The .44 Hand Ejector Second Model arrived without the third locking feature and the enclosed ejector rod was now gone. All for $2! This model would become the .45 ACP Hand Ejector U.S. Service Model two years later.

The Hand Ejector series continued to evolve and with the return of the enclosed ejector rod became the Model 1926. Other evolutionary adaptations were the .38-44 Heavy Duty and Outdoorsman Models of 1930, which later became the .357 Magnum in 1935. The big N-frame got back on the .44 track with the Fourth Model 1950 Target .44 Special, which then became the .44 Magnum in 1956.

Along the way a few of the four models of hand ejectors can be found in other chamberings such as the First Model in .44 Russian, .44-40, .455, .38-40, and .45 Colt; Second Model, .45 Colt, .44-40, and .38-40; Third Model, .44-40 and .45 Colt; and the Fourth Model, .45 ACP and .45 Colt. Most of these are relatively rare and hard to find.

All of these models were offered in basic blue, often Smith & Wesson's beautiful Bright Blue, and some fixed sighted models can be found finished with nickel plating. They are the most beautiful double action revolvers ever offered. However, seventy years after the introduction of the Triple-Lock, the road to Sixgun Perfection took a major detour.

End Of An Era

First stainless-steel began to appear with the .44 Magnum Model 629. The old ways were disappearing. Then came heavy, full-underlug barrels and the old ways faded even more. Finally came round butted grip frames on all Smith & Wesson sixguns and the old ways were gone!

Yes, I realize that I am highly biased and opinionated when it comes to what a double action revolver should look like, and I definitely believe in standard barrels, square butts, and Bright Blue finishes. I will not argue with you if you prefer the new ways nor will I change my mind about the old ways.

When I visit gun shops, or walk the aisles of gun shows, I seldom give newly manufactured sixguns a second look. Instead, I'm looking for the sixguns of the old ways. Yes, I realize that today we are privileged to have what are probably the best built sixguns ever offered. Certainly they are the strongest and most accurate. It is simply that they do not stir the depths of my soul like the sixguns of the old ways. And at my age my soul and spirit need and deserve of great deal of stirring.

The wise man said, "you can never go home again." If you have ever visited places of your childhood you understand exactly what he meant. We can't go back. Everything changes. But once in awhile, just once in awhile mind you, something happens to open a portal to the past and it is our great loss if we don't go through.