From the Vault: Smith & Wesson Model of 1903 Hand Ejector

As the saying goes, a Smith & Wesson beats four aces, and this week Brownells Gun Tech Steve Ostrem has a winning hand with the Smith & Wesson Model of 1903 Hand Ejector revolver. It's an old gun, but it will be comfortingly familiar to anybody who knows current-production Smith wheelguns because the M1903 is the first modern S&W double-action revolver. It has all the hallmarks: the cylinder locks up at the front AND rear, the cylinder stop comes up through the bottom of the frame, that super-smooth S&W action, and beautifully fitted pre-WWII craftsmanship. Steve's examples are chambered in .32 S&W Long, which is a pretty anemic round by today's standards but very pleasant to shoot. Why is it called a "hand ejector"? Steve explains that, too.