Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .44 Hand Ejector 3rd Model, Post War Transitional, a.k.a. 1926 Model Military, 5-Screw, Square Butt N-Frame

Serial Number: S 62606

Year of Manufacture: 1946-1947 First year production (reference Standard catalog)

Caliber: .44 Special

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: Round 5”, Pinned, with shrouded ejector rod.

Sights / Optics: The service sights consist of a forged round blade front sight with a notchcut rear sight into the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The Magna grips are checked walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. They are stamped inside the right grip panel matching the weapon. There are some compressions. The most noticeable mark is a chip on the bottom of the left panel. They are tiny scratches. The checking is strong. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about very good condition as original to the weapon.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. 10/10 on the bore rating in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its current metal finish. There is a bit of thinning on the left side of the muzzle. There is a fleeting thin turn line not through the finish on the cylinder. There are no burn marks on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. This Revolver seems to have spent its life waiting in storage. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition for a C&R of 78 years old.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces light side to side movement. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A suitable Gold and Blue S&W box accompanies the revolver.

Our Assessment: This is Smith & Wesson’s .44 Hand Ejector 3rd model chambered in .44 Special; built on the square butt N frame with 5 screws, long action-hammer and trigger. Reintroduced in June 1946 with a new slide activated hammer block and is so indicated with a S serial prefix. This is a 5 inch model with a blued finish, service sights, and original checked walnut, Magna style stocks. This one has 99% finish remaining and it looks like new considering its age. There is no evidence of use. This revolver has excellent mechanics and a perfect bore. With the build quality of these vintage Smith and Wesson revolvers it should last a lifetime.