quote:

My .455 that also has this same rear sight has also never left the States, has no import markings at all.

Not all guns that left the States and then returned have import markings.

Don't know how revalent this is to the thread, but I have a Colt Model 1895 in .38LC that has the same rear sight. I have ofter wondered why someone would install a sight thru the fixed groove in the top strap? None of my other Colt DA have this type rear sight.

That is an elegant revolver. Congratulations on acquiring such a fine Smith & Wesson!

Best,

Michael

quote:

Originally posted by bowie:
I have owned a couple Colt's with exactly the same front and rear sight conversion.

I believe the work was done by King's. Maybe one of our memembers who has an old King's catalog can check. It was called their fixed target sight conversion.

I agree.

The Brits had a "rule" that only "fixed sighted type" revolvers be used in "servicecompetition".

The earliest Colt New Service Target models, shipped to Britain in the early 1900's in .455 caliber of course, not only had special Metford type rifling, but the front sight, could only have the height "adjusted" by changing the blade, which was held in place by a small screw. Rear sight was drift adjustable only.

On "regular" N.S.T.'s BOTH frt. & rear sights had adjusting screws.

Have to think S&W made a few T.L.s in .455 that way, as well as earlier #3 Target Models.

P.I.A. to change the sights from 25(or 20 yd) part of match, to those for 50 yds., so I've "read", many competitors used the lower power .450 (it had been the standard British ctg, before 1881) for short range, the .455 for long range.

Bud

Beautiful guns you guys....
thanks for sharing~

pace,
I have held that gun. A real enigma.
King or factory????
Either way, GREAT gun, and I love it.
{B]Get the records digitized, and we may solve such mysteries. [/B]

quote:

Have to think S&W made a few T.L.s in .455 that way, as well as earlier #3 Target Models.

Ham Bowen told me he has a 455 TL with DRIFT adjustable rear sight that Bill Powell and a factory letter confirmed.