I have the chance to buy a S&W model 3 king super target in good shape in 38spc...what do you think something like that might be worth????Thanks Jim.....

I don't even know what that woudl be??
A New Model #3? Don't know if any top break would be strong enough for .38 Special?
I can't imagine one with a King conversion?

King Super Target ribs could be mounted only on hand ejector models, and the only .38 Special hand ejectors were (before the war) the .38 M&P Target revolver or the .38/44 Outdoorsman. After the war, King Super Target ribs could be mounted on the K-38 Masterpiece and the new model .38-44 Outdoorsman. I don't think of any other options. Does one of those sound familiar?

The serial numbers on these different revolvers were distinctive. If you can get us the serial number (or at least all but the last three digits) we can probably address your question.

__________________
David Wilson

David,

I think the King sights are like any other modification done to handguns, some people like them and others don't. I think it would be worth more to the right person.

As for me, I do like them! I have one King sight package on a 1948 M&P, but it is the Super Police Night Sight package and not the nicer and more expensive ribbed target. I didn't pay anything extra for that one, in think partly because the gun shop didn't know what it was.

If you like it, get it. That's just my opinion.

Its a #3 target originaly chamberd in 38spcl converted by King to super target config by cutting off barrel and threading and installing new barrel with super target rib with the little mirrow...and adj rear sight...and roper grips....it is a friend of mine's gun and have shot it quite a bit...shoots very well...it was an old bullseye shooters gun....what might be a ball park figure on something like this....it is in very nice shape for what it is...I dont know much about smiths but I do know #3's were chamberd in 38 spcl....its a break action gun that seems to handle and shoot my target handloads very well indeed....Jim...

The New Model 3 is not listed as being chambered in .38 Special, but it is possible it was a special factory order. It was made in .38 Colt, with the same case diameter but slightly shorter than the Special, so it may have been rechambered from this.

Determining a value is difficult. If a factory historical letter states it was shipped as a .38 Special, it would be far more valuable than a conversion. Having the non-original barrel and King Super Target parts on it takes it out of the collector (original configuration) area, but it would be interesting in and of itself. My guess it should be priced as a shooter gun (mid-three figures), but others may differ. Are you able to post photos?

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

pajim,
We need "Photos!!Photos!!Photos"!!

Yes, photos please. When I posted earlier in this thread, I was unaware that anything like what you describe could exist.

__________________
David Wilson

pajim, Please explain the source of your lable " #3 Target" for your friends gun, or post good pictures. A "# 3 Target" in .38 Special doesn't equate to any known S&W revolver model. There were no New Model No. 3 Targets factory made in .38 Special caliber, however some one with deep pockets could have had a gunsmith make such a gun out of a .44-40 caliber New Model No. 3 frame by rebarreling it and making a new cylinder that could withstand the pressures of a .38 S&W Special round. Is your friend's gun a single action or double action revolver? What is the serial number? Ed.

I'll Have to get my hands on it again and take some photos...