Hand Ejector Questions

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blue32

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I've been thinking about adding a hand ejector to the mix just for fun. I really like the look of that early 20th century double action revolver. The problem I'm running into is that there's nothing in the shops locally so all I have to go on is gunbroker listings for description and characteristics.

For those who have shot both, how does the DA trigger feel on one of those pre-war revolvers. I imagine its a 12-14 lb pull (if not let me know), but does the geometry and overall feel of the pull equate with a 21st century K or L frame?
 
S&W made, for many years and well into the 20th century, a top break revolver named "Double Action". They could be had in .32 S&W or .38 S&W (not .38 Special) and were double action only. They also began manufacture of their Hand Ejector in various models. Hand Ejectors were made with a swing-out cylinder activated by pushing a thumb latch located on the left side of the revolver that would "unlock" the cylinder allowing it to be swing out of the frame. It could then be emptied, or ejected by hand. It is the latter of these two types of revolvers that I assume you are referring to.

There are pre-war hand ejectors of varying sizes and calibers. I-frame, K-frame and N-frame (smaller to larger) in .22 LR, .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, .32/20 (also known as .32 WCF), .38 S&W, .38 S&W Special, .44 Spl, .45 ACP and any number, and less common, of other calibers. The most common HE from the pre-war era would be the Model of 1905 (which is a K-frame), which would eventually become the Model 10 in 1958, and was most frequently chambered in .38 Spl. Post-war brought about many offerings that were standard with adjustable sights. Yes, there were adjustable sights in the pre-war era, but they were far less common.

Not knowing your desires or intended uses, I will stop with the history lesson. To answer your question, there are no currently manufactured S&W K or L frame revolvers that can match the trigger quality of their guns made prior to (arbitrarily) ca 1980. Others may disagree with me, but this is my opinion. Assuming a particular gun in question is mechanically solid, double action pull most likely is in the 10 pound range and is as smooth as a babie's butt. Single action trigger pull is often found in the 2.5 to 3.5 pound range, has no take-up, little or no over travel and breaks like the proverbial glass rod.

If you have a desire to learn much more about S&W Hand Ejectors, I would suggest taking a look at http://smith-wessonforum.com/
 
Pre-War S&W double action revolvers have a long action but it is far superior to anything out there today. The S&W action was know for its silky smooth trigger pull, and a "no hitch" release when the sear breaks. The Colt Python came close, but not very close.

Bob Wright
 
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