Model 57 and 58 Ejector Rod Shrouds

[rc135]

I noticed in the most recent issue of "Handloader" (page 40) that S$W Models 57 and 58 differ in a coupla ways, most of these differences making sense to me - except one. Question: While the Model 57 has a shrouded ejector rod, the Model 58 (and quite a few other revos) do not. What are the advantages (if any) of having an ejector rod that is not shrouded? It seems to me that a shrouded ER would be stronger, keep clean more easily --and I think it simply looks a lot better. Comments?

"...and you can have it for 17 million...." CCR

 

[Majic]

The M58 is the .41 magnum version of the Military & Police revolver. The M&P was never shrouded. In fact when the M&P was created no S&W was shrouded. The ejector shroud makes for a place to collect dirt and debris which could hamper cylinder rotation. Also later made Smiths are sometimes known to shoot their ejector rod's head loose making swinging the cylinder out difficult and it's much easier and quicker to retighten without a shroud.
These revolvers were built for hard service use (fixed sights and non-shrouded), not to look pretty. The M57 is the target version therefore the adjustable sights and the barrel shroud for added weight up front.

 

[miko]

Shroud adds an ounce or two of weight. Some like that, some don't.

miko

 

[BluesBear]

The S&W "shroud" originally appeared on the .44 Special First Model Hand Ejector revolver. aka the Model 1908.
Commonly called the "New Century" or the "Triple Lock".
The shround actually housed the actuator rod for the yoke lock.

When S&W dropped the yoke lock on the .44 Special Hand Ejector Second Model they also dropped the shroud.

A large distributor requested that the shroud be reinstated and S&W did so for them. It later became a standard catalogue item and was named the .44 Special Hand Ejector Third Model. The Second and Third models were produced simultaniously.

From then on S&W put an ejector shroud on all Magnum chambered revolvers with the exception of the Model 58.
Except for the Model 58, the Model 22 (and it's prewar twin the 1917) and the .44 Hand Ejector Second Model, all S&W N-frame revolvers had a shrouded ejector.
The Model 58 was just the odd duck.
Even the NYSP ordered but never delivered fixed sight .357 Model 520 revolvers had the shroud.

Personally I like the looks of my Model 58. It's just a little sleeker than my 57s.