S&W 44 HE 3rd Model

[Paladin7]

I have recently run across a S&W Hand Ejector 3rd Model in 44 Spl that is in Good to Very Good condition and could probably pick it up for a very reasonable price. I have the Standard Catalog of S&W and know all the details about it. What I am looking for is any first hand experience/information on this revolver?

Thanks in advance,

Paladin7

 

[Gordon]

I have a couple (one 2nd and one third) you know the Triple Lock was the first edition right? The 3rd edition , with it's shrouded rod and tapered fixed sight barrel is considered the Ne Plus Ultra of Big bore DA hand guns by some. Enter the retro Thunder Ranch .44spl. I have a 4" post war Military and Police .44spl with 4" barrel in 95+% and you could not pry it out of my cold dead fingers for less than $1200 IF I was selling. My 95% 2nd edition in 5" is worth $900 at least! Because of this kinda value I don't shoot those cast 275 grain flat points over lots of 2400 powder any more. Hell not even with some Unique! But IF I had a 80% shooter grade gun worth about $500 and wanted to learn what a 240 grain (or heavier) .428" flatpoint bullet does at around 900-1000fps I couldn't think of a better gun than that 3rd model .44spl!

 

[Dienekes]

Had a 5" M21 .44 Spl in my misspent youth; sold it in a fit of insanity. Needless to say I wish I had it now. For me the biggest drawback is that I have a J and K frame sized hand and an N is on the clumsy side for me. I would sure give that one a try if I were you. I would stay away from the old classic Elmer Keith loads, though.

 

[Lone Star]

Have you asked at www.smith-wessonforum.com ?
Select the category for "Revolvers, 1857-1945".

Lone Star

 

[mec]

back In the sixties, a couple of guys here had one for a while. It was nickel plated and I believe it was a second model. They immediately set out to be like Elmer Keith and turned the forcing cone into a funnel. I asked somebody about it the other day and he told me that He thought they were trying to be even more like Elmer Keith than Keith was himself.

As he remembered the load was 240 swc over 18.5 2400 and, aw, heck, maybe a magnum primer too. I have a Heritage Model 24 that would probably take this kind of abuse but I stick with the much despised factory level loadings that hover around 700 fps.

 

[guy sajer]

P7

Specifically what kind of info do you require Ask us . If we don't know , we'll say so .

Mine is from 1931 .

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'd buy it at a reasonable price.

 

[guy sajer]

I agree . If you like it . It's priced right and it's in original un-modified condition with honest wear , I'd go for it as well . They aren't getting any easier to find .

 

[saltydog452]

1926 44 Spcl.

I wish I hadn't traded my 1926 away. Would love to have another to replace it. If you decide not to buy the one you mentioned, let me know the details.

Thanx,
salty.