The Smith & Wesson New Century First Model Hand Ejector in .44 Special — the Triple Lock — was the first .44 Special revolver, introducing the cartridge that would eventually spawn the .44 Magnum. Designed on the massive N-frame, it represented S&W's most refined engineering at the time. The .44 Special load developed by Elmer Keith in this revolver was the direct predecessor of the .44 Magnum, which Keith pushed S&W to develop decades later. Type: Revolver Action: Double-Action Caliber: 44 Special Capacity: 6 Year introduced: 1908, USA Weight: 40 oz Overall length: 11.5" Status: Discontinued Intended use: collector, historical