Smith & Wesson Triple Lock revolver .455″

01. Original name .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model New Century 1908. British Army designation: Pistol Smith & Wesson .455 with 6 ½ inch barrel Mark I  
02. Other official names Smith & Wesson “N” Frame .44 Military Model  
03. Popular names Smith & Wesson Triple Lock  
04. Chamberings .44 S&W Special; .44 Russian; .44/40; .45 Colt, .455 MkII British; possibly .450 boxer and .22 LR  
05. Designed by Smith & Wesson from around 1900 (double action large frame swing out cylinder revolver)  
06. Design date 1907 (triple lock)  
07. In service date(s) 1914 to 1915 (replaced by the Mk II)  
08. Adopted by British and Canadian Forces manufactured in .455 calibre  
09. Production quantities Approx. 5812  
10. Mechanism 6 shot “N” Frame swing out cylinder Double or single action Revolver  
11. Weight 2.38 Lbs unloaded (1.08kg)  
12. Mountings   
13. Practicality in action The N Frame revolver was extremely well made, accurate and strong. It had an unnecessary 3rd lock in front of the cylinder which, due to the Trench warfare conditions, easily clogged with mud making closure of the cylinder impossible  
14. Comments / Other information The N frame, set new standards for strength and durability. The new frame was designed to handle the pressures generated by the, then new, smokeless powders. It was proportioned for the big bore calibres, popular at that time. The initial gun based upon this frame was the Hand Ejector of 1908. This fired the .44 S&W cartridge, at standard velocities. The Model 1917, was one of the other early pistols based upon this frame. For a century, until the recent introduction of the X frame revolver for the new 50 Magnum, the N frame continued to be the heaviest, and strongest revolver frame that Smith & Wesson made. This frame was designed around the turn of the century, and has yet to be seriously improved upon.