New Model No. 3

cwneely · #1 12-01-2016, 07:35 PM

I have a New Model No. 3 which has an unusual rear sight. I could use some help in identifying it. It has the configuration of a target sight and is milled as a part of the latch. It is solid, one piece without the usual adjustable blade. Does anyone know anything about this sight? The front sight is standard half moon shape. There is another sight notch in the usual position on the forging but it blocked by the rear blade.

rct269 · #2 12-01-2016, 11:05 PM

Best guess without seeing it: There is an early production (1887-89) "target sight" which is not adjustable. It was applied only to the NM #3 Target in .32-44. Many guns so equipped were promptly updated with the fully adjustable sight once it became available, so surviving (original) guns with this sight are few and far between.

If you can do some photos, do close-ups---one from the rear----one from either side---and I can say one way or the other.

That said, it's entirely possible such a sight was transplanted to another NM #3, never mind what caliber, just because it was better than the standard sight---never mind it wasn't much of a target sight.

Ralph Tremaine

One caveat: My source material does not show the standard/service notch remaining, as you noted. That said, my material is a drawing, and the artist/author may very well have skipped it----given it has nothing to do with the target sight.

H Richard · #3 12-02-2016, 11:09 AM

It is also very possible it is a hand made "enhancement" the original owner did. From before then, and beyond current Target shooters seem to try anything, if it will enable a better score.

model3sw · #4 12-02-2016, 11:56 PM

Ralph, You're correct .. we need photos to tell. First we need to know if the serial number on the latch matches the barrel, cylinder and butt, etc. Also to check under the grips for a repair / refinish date.

Whether it is a real target model that had the front sight changed (seen several of those) or a just standard model that needed a latch.

I have seen those solid target sights on some of the later, custom order, target models, too, shipped after 1898 in ship dates of about 1904 to 1908 but yes, on the 32-44 and 38-44s mostly.