Pistol Smith & Wesson .455 with 6 ½ inch barrel Mark II
03. Popular names
New Century Hand Ejector, New Model Mk.2;
04. Chamberings
.455 for British and Canadian contracts; 0.455” Webley Mk 2, but in addition to this production, the First Model Hand Ejector was also chambered for 0.44” S&W, 0.45” Colt, 0.44” S&W Russian, 0.44-40 Winchester, 0.450” Eley, 0.38-40 Winchester, 0.45” S&W Special, 0.22” LR.
05. Designed by
Joseph H. Wesson; Amended from the Mk I “Triple-Lock” model 1915
06. Design date
Design finalised 1905, based on developments from 1895
07. In service date(s)
1915 onwards to 1945
08. Adopted by
British and Canadian Forces
09. Production quantities
69,755 of which British purchases made up approx. 59,000
10. Mechanism
Double action 6 shot revolver as per Triple lock Mk. I but without the third lock on the yoke. Other minor changes included the loss of the ejector shroud, probably due to cost saving
11. Weight
38 oz. Approximately 1077 grammes
12. Mountings
British Army webbing holster or Sam Browne
13. Practicality in action
As the Mk I, strong, robust and accurate
14. Comments / Other information
The third lock was believed to be unnecessary because the locking system was already extremely robust, and in service conditions could become clogged and prevent closure of the yoke. It was deleted from the more numerous Second Model. A small number of the First Model were made for target shooting use with pinned partridge front sight and drift adjusted rear, they are accurate and rare. The main drawback to the revolver is the narrow frame above the grips at the back of the frame which the recoil drives into the web between thumb and fore finger