S&W Triple Lock
Smith & Wesson, Inc. · Revolver · Discontinued · 1908
Also known as: .44 Hand Ejector First Model, New Century, .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model, S&W New Century
Overview
The S&W Triple Lock is a large-frame double-action revolver and the first Smith & Wesson built on the new N-frame, formally designated the .44 Hand Ejector First Model and marketed as the New Century. Introduced in 1908 and chambered for the then-new .44 S&W Special, it earned its nickname from a third cylinder lock at the front of the swing-out yoke, in addition to the usual locks at the rear of the cylinder and the tip of the ejector rod. It also introduced an enclosed ejector-rod shroud. Regarded by many collectors as one of the finest revolvers Smith & Wesson ever produced, it was discontinued in 1915 when the costly third lock and shroud were dropped to reduce price.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1106 g (39.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Barrel Length | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 238 m/s (781 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 441 J (325 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .44 S&W Special · primary — also known as .44 Special, .44 Spl, 10.9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Swing Out Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Rebounding Hammer, Hammer Block
- Features: Swing Out Cylinder, Third Cylinder Lock, Ejector Rod Shroud, N Frame
Service history
Operators
- British Army · adopted 1915 · as .455 Mark II Hand Ejector
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Estimated total produced: 15,376 · Production years: 1908-1915
Total of 15,376 .44-caliber Triple Locks produced; additional .455 examples supplied to British forces.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Smith & Wesson
Discontinued: 1915
Notes
Offered in barrel lengths from 4 to 7.5 inches; the 6.5-inch model weighed about 39 oz. A .455 Webley variant was supplied to the British Army during the First World War.
Background
Prized by collectors for its hand-fitted quality and the unique third yoke lock, the Triple Lock is often cited as the high-water mark of early double-action revolver craftsmanship before cost-cutting ended the design.