I’ve previously posted an ugly Colt prototype budget revolver, so now it is Smith & Wesson’s turn.

During the late 1970s, the Director of Research and Development, Dwayne W. Charron, was tasked with examining new methods and materials. The goal was to produce parts to near finish configuration with a minimum of machining. Ideally, employees would merely assemble or selective assemble revolvers instead of hand fitting the parts. Once the books were closed on the project in 1979, thirty prototypes had been made.

Only the cylinders were produced using conventional techniques. Like the Colt Mark III and Dan Wesson revolvers, the small parts were made from powdered metal. The yoke assembly appears to be inspired by Charter Arms. The barrel was integral to the frame. The recoil shield appears to be a separate assembly.

I can’t tell from the photos which direction the cylinder thumb latch works. There doesn’t seem room for it to push forward, so it might be pulled rearward like a Colt. There is clearly a side plate, but no sideplate screws are visible.

Given the odd configuration of the stocks, it might use a grip post frame like the Dan Wesson.