Smith and Wesson Hinged Model M300-1 Handcuffs

[handcuffsdude]

So, our first 'hinged' handcuffs. The well known Smith and Wesson Hinged Model M300-1 Handcuffs!
A nice matte black finish, solid build, very sturdy. They aren't going to break in a hurry


Hinged handcuffs are good, they make picking a lot harder, and depending on your flexibility, getting them from behind your back a lot more challenging.
Additionally, if you have the cuffs on tightly and the keyway is facing down 'away' from your hands, it becomes significantly harder to pick them as finding a suitable angle with a tool becomes extra difficult.

The M300-1 has an unusual 'double-locking' feature, what appears to be a 'wire' in a gate as shown here

Which disappears when used (and is a handy visual indicator)


The bow comes to a fairly blunt point

And is more like the Peerless 700C than the Peerless 500's in terms of shape and size

From Left to right there we have the S&W M300-1, Peerless 700C and Peerless 500's

The above image also shows a comparison of the three aforementioned bows.

Unfortunately, the S&W's have the same single ratchet design as the Peerless cuffs with three teeth as shown here:

They also have the same wide ratchet which means you should be able to shim down the side (the tolerances between the edge of the frame and the bow are pretty tight compared to the peerless models). Shimming along the bow track however is still easier (even more so if you can apply another notch while pushing the shim in).

In terms of keyway size they're somewhere in-between the dimensions of the peerless 500's than to the 700C's which means that its possible to get most tools into the keyway without much fuss if you wiggle a bit.


It seems that the S&W's are similar to their Peerless peers. There's no additional security of note beyond the standard basics.

So in summary:

Shimmable?

Yes.
Easier to shim than the peerless cuffs. Tension wrench or broken picks work fine.
If you can get something thin enough down the side that's also good. Make sure they dont get jammed!

Pickable?

Yes.
As easy to pick as any of the peerless models previously described.

Double locking?

Yes.
Easily un-done when picking.
A couple of strong knocks against the ground and the double lock has not changed state.

Join?

Hinged. Very strong. Effective at restraining movement, especially if the cuffs are on tight.

Other vulnerabilities?

None noted.

Any Type of additional or unique security?

No.

A note for anyone who's not terribly familiar with handcuffs, the S&W handcuff keys are widely regarded as 'universal' or 'master' keys.

They fit every pair of handcuffs I own currently (with one exception which I'll explain in more detail in a later post).
It's worth buying a few of these keys if you play with handcuffs, and its also worth keeping one handy (mine is worn around my neck on a chain) at all times when playing with cuffs.
I'm fairly sure its possible to buy these keys independently of the cuffs as well if you are so inclined.

[kwoswalt99-]

Shimmable?
Yes.
Easier to shim than the peerless cuffs. Tension wrench or broken picks work fine.
If you can get something thin enough down the side that's also good. Make sure they dont get jammed!

I don't consider shimming as a vulnerability, because double locking them is a standard procedure. Although, I have seen some episodes of "COPS" where they neglect to double lock them.

[handcuffsdude]

I don't consider shimming as a vulnerability, because double locking them is a standard procedure. Although, I have seen some episodes of "COPS" where they neglect to double lock them.

I'm including it in these because there are models that specifically defend against shimming in addition to double-locking. And some that don't double lock at all but are 'high-security'...
In my opinion, its easiest to remove the double lock with most cuffs. Picking can sometimes be quite tricky though depending on the type.

I'd say its a vulnerability because
A) There exist defenses against shimming which have not been implemented in all handcuffs
and
B) There is the possibility of user error (as you mentioned 'COPS')
Which reduces the overall effectiveness of them.

[QuantumEntangled]

to make shimming a real pain try Hiatts hinged. They have been using a triple pawl design for years but unlike other brands' double or triple pawl design, the Hiatts use a standard cuff key.

[handcuffsdude]

to make shimming a real pain try Hiatts hinged. They have been using a triple pawl design for years but unlike other brands' double or triple pawl design, the Hiatts use a standard cuff key.

I assume you're referring to these cuffs:
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/Safariland_Triple_Hinged_Black_Finish_Handcuffs.html

I haven't seen inside a pair or had a play myself but i'd expect you could shim them much the same as other brands?
You just wouldn't be able to shim them down the sides is all, it would have to be under the bow..

[QuantumEntangled]

yes, Handcuffsdude those are exactly the ones. And as far as shimming, you are correct but just make sure the shim is exactly as wide as all the pawls otherwise if they are not all depressed simultaneously it won't open...

as an aside the company you referenced is excellent also! I just ordered the S & W m and p with the lever lock latches instead of the usual push pins or sliding wire. I wonder if the warding is any different inside the lock? Or maybe the lever is purely for ease of use...I'll know soon!! Anyway I could not resist the pull of the Melonite finish.

[handcuffsdude]

yes, Handcuffsdude those are exactly the ones. And as far as shimming, you are correct but just make sure the shim is exactly as wide as all the pawls otherwise if they are not all depressed simultaneously it won't open...

as an aside the company you referenced is excellent also! I just ordered the S & W m and p with the lever lock latches instead of the usual push pins or sliding wire. I wonder if the warding is any different inside the lock? Or maybe the lever is purely for ease of use...I'll know soon!! Anyway I could not resist the pull of the Melonite finish.

If its to small, you are right, it won't shim all three, but i've had limited success opening them with shims that are too 'large' but still bend around the bow a little bit.

You ordered some kit from HCWH? Neat. I can't get any kit shipped to Australia unfortunately They only sell to the US, Guam and Puerto Rico...
Make sure you upload some nice clear shots of the cuffs when you get them! Very keen to see!

Edit: These ones yeah? http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/smwempleloha.html

[QuantumEntangled]

yes my friend; those would be the ones! In the US, apparently cuffs can be purchased by regular citizens--non law enforcement like me, I mean. I have ordered a lot from them and never had a problem. Other places too. I wonder why Australia would not allow them? Is it a legality issue or maybe more of a Customs import gray area?

Melonite just looked really tasty and if it is anything like Cerakote (my shotguns are coated with this), I will really dig it. The regular black oxide finish can be a little rough so I am hoping the melonite is more uniform. Quite a few of my smith and wessons have looked rough--especially my regular satin m100s and model 1-1s. I later learned that this is just what their finishes look like...

I have been spoiled no doubt by my p700s and my oldschool Hiatts (made in England before Hiatts changed to Safariland and moved their factory. Both sides of each cuff are stamped "Hiatts Made In England" and the model number 2010 is only indicated on the blue cardboard box they came in. Interestingly, the current 2010s look identical except the Hiatts is bigger and the Safariland name is added--no more made in England demarcation obviously.)

I do apologize at how long this was because that wasn't my intent lol. I just wanted to be as precise as I could because I can tell you enjoy cuffs as much as I do!

[handcuffsdude]

yes my friend; those would be the ones! In the US, apparently cuffs can be purchased by regular citizens--non law enforcement like me, I mean. I have ordered a lot from them and never had a problem. Other places too. I wonder why Australia would not allow them? Is it a legality issue or maybe more of a Customs import gray area?

Here they're fairly restricted (in theory) it seems. I've never had any issues even when working with LE and demoing how to pick cuffs to them. *shrugs*
HCWH won't ship here, i could probably go via a re-mailer, but that's just adding to the cost (plus exchange rate plus they aren't exactly super cheap )

I have been spoiled no doubt by my p700s and my oldschool Hiatts

P700's == the Peerless ones yeah?
I've got a set of the 700C's and they seem to be pretty much the most average cuffs. Nothing terribly interesting or fancy about them. What do you find attractive about them? Any pictures of the oldschool Hiatts?

[QuantumEntangled]

700c I mean...exactly what you pictured-- standard "type 3 chain handcuff" I had to get them out and look. At first I didn't see it because it's only on one cuff with the "made in USA patented" and "Peerless Handcuff Company Springfield, Massachusetts" is on the other one along with the serial. Good catch!

What I really like about Peerless in general is that they seem to take that extra step. For example, every pair I've had has been so buttery smooth as far as ratcheting, swinging of the arm and locking/unlocking. They really nail the "positive swing through" aspect. I'm sure you know of some makers who just can't get that right...I get really annoyed when the arm strikes the body instead of contacting the pawl and locking when set in motion as if you were applying them to an arrestee. A pair of Chicagos did that. I also like the backloading feature although that's more suited (from a practicality point of view) to our friends in blue. And finally, I have not had the key post break or the double lock jam up or become "sticky" with repeated use. You're quite right in that viewed from a design point of view they are rather mundane; it's just that they seem to project quality and pride when some other makers are "bare minimum."

and I will put some pics up when I get them and dig up the digital camera...Sadly I don't have a cell phone at all, let alone one with a fancy camera. Guess the idea never really caught on with me!