Smith & Wesson "N" to the largest .44 Magnum type frame. In 2003, the even larger "X" frame was introduced for the .500 S&W Magnum. Most Smith & Wesson revolvers have been equipped with an internal locking mechanism since the acquisition by Saf-T-Hammer. The mechanism is relatively unobtrusive, is activated with a special key, and renders the firearm inoperable. While the lock can simply be left disengaged, most gun enthusiasts prefer "pre-lock" guns. In 1953 the U.S. Army was looking for a pistol to replace the Colt 1911A1. To obtain a bid from the U.S. Government, Smith & Wesson began working on a
Smith & Wesson Model 469 Smith & Wesson Model 469 The Smith & Wesson Model 469 is a semi-automatic pistol, chambered for the 9mm cartridge. The Model 469 is an early model in Smith & Wesson's 59-series, envisioned as pistols that could be easily concealed, but with sufficient firepower to work as service weapons as well. It is a traditional double-action pistol with a 3.5-inch barrel, equipped with a slide-mounted safety/decocker. Magazine capacity is 12 rounds. When Smith & Wesson introduced its "third-generation" series of semiautomatics, several similar pistols succeeded the Model 469. These included the Model 6904, which had an alloy frame with black