I Have This Old Gun: Smith & Wesson Triple Lock

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
triple-lock.jpg

The Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector First Model, commonly referred to as the Triple Lock, is one of the most coveted large-frame revolvers of the 20th century. For many, this gracefully configured hunk of steel represents the epitome of the modern double-action, even though the Triple Lock dates from 1908. Appropriately, it was catalogued as the .44 New Century.

Also listed as the Smith & Wesson .44 Military Model of 1908, the Triple Lock chambered a new cartridge specifically developed for it, the .44 Smith & Wesson Special, a slightly more powerful version of the older .44 Russian. Like the .44 Russian, the .44 Spl. began as a blackpowder cartridge, but Smith & Wesson soon realized its new revolver was more than capable of handling smokeless powder loads.

Indeed, the Smith & Wesson Triple Lock was the most over-engineered double-action of its day. In addition to its innovative under-barrel shroud, which protected the extractor rod, its swing-out cylinder system sported three locking points: A spring-loaded catch between the end of the yoke and the extractor shroud; a center pin indentation in the frame that secured the cylinder; and another catch in front of the extractor that secured it to the shroud. Available blued or nickeled, and with barrel lengths of 4", 5", 6", 6½" and 7½", with fixed or adjustable sights, the Triple Lock was also chambered in .44 Russian, .455 Webley Mark II, the scarcer .38-40 Win. and .44-40 Win., and even rarer .45 Colt.

With an initial price tag of $21—a substantial sum back in those days—the Triple Lock was expensive to manufacture. Thus, in 1915, with 15,376 guns produced, it was modified into the .44 Hand Ejector Second Model, which eliminated the extractor shroud and the yoke-locking mechanism.

This example of the Triple Lock, although mechanically tight, exhibits moderate blemishes to its finish. Chambered in .455 Webley Mark II (not marked on the barrel, which is proper for this variation) and stamped with British crossed-pennant proofs and opposing broad arrows on the frame (indicating it was “sold out of service” to the civilian market after military use), it is one of 5,000 Triple Locks made in 1914-1915 for Britain during World War I. As such, and in NRA Good condition, it would fetch $1,850 to $2,250 on today’s market.

Gun: Smith & Wesson Triple Lock
Caliber: .455 Webley Mark II (part of the initial order, not to be confused with the 808 Triple Locks that were converted for British use from .44 Spl.)
Serial No: 34XX
Manufactured: 1915
Condition: 65 percent—NRA Good (Modern Gun Standards)
Value: $1,850-$2,250

Latest

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.