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 78G Smith & Wesson Model 78G Smith & Wesson models 78G and 79G are vintage models of air-powered pistols. Each model chambered either a .177 or .22 caliber pellet. The Smith & Wesson G-series pistols were designed with attention to accuracy and weight, making them ideal in developing short-range marksmanship skills while using a less-penetrating, air-driven pellet as the projectile. They were designed to imitate the Smith & Wesson Model 41 target pistol. Both models are equipped with target style adjustable sights. These airguns were manufactured from 1970 to 1978. They are single shot pistols, requiring manual reloading after each shot.