In the opinion of many, the big Smith & Wesson Hand Ejectors are the finest revolvers ever produced in the United States. The magnificent First Model gun, the Triple Lock, was introduced in 1907 and produced until 1915 when it was discontinued due mostly to the cost and difficulty of fitting the third lock. Smith & Wesson produced tens of thousands of otherwise similar subsequent models until 1966, most all distinguished by their fixed sights and graceful, round barrels, complete with ejector shrouds. Unfortunately, only a very few were over produced in .45 Colt.

One of the Hand Ejectors, commonly known as the .38/44 Heavy Duty, was produced in considerable numbers and used widely in law enforcement, particularly prior to WWII. Chambered in .38 Special, many survive in well-used condition at reasonable prices, the ideal candidates from which to build a classic .45 Colt DA revolver.

Built in the Bowen Classic Arms shop, this particular gun had the barrel rebored to .45 caliber and the cylinder chambered for the venerable .45 Colt. A taller front sight was pinned into the base, regulated and then shaped and serrated. In addition to tuning, the hammer and trigger were recolor case-hardened. Appropriate barrel markings, hand finishing and Roy Fishpaw ivory grips completed the job. The handsome ivory-handled folding knife is from Pat and Wes Crawford of West Memphis, AR. For more information, please see the AMERICAN HANDGUNNER magazine article by Roy Huntington reprinted in the ‘News’ section. Our thanks to Editor Cameron Hopkins for permission to reprint the text and Ichiro Nagata photos.

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