NEW MODEL #3 TARGET, .32-44 S&W

[rct269]

The earliest production of these revolvers were fitted with non-adjustable "target" sights (an elevated rear blade). The question is why?

The "regular" target sight used (later on) on these guns is the same as that used on the NM #3---and in different sizes, on 1st/2nd Model Single Shots, and on smaller frame revolvers of the era. This sight was available on NM #3's almost immediately at the outset of that model------the better part of TEN YEARS before production of the NM #3 Target series began---so it isn't like they didn't have adjustable sights available.

The first thing that popped into my mind was some sort of restrictive competition similar to the Bisley matches which called for drift adjustable for windage only rear sights (as seen on some few Triple Locks later on).

The next thing I thought of was they were sights tailored to a single specific load to be used at a specific distance---which sounds suspiciously pretty much the same as thought number one above. As should be apparent right about now, I was quick to be grasping at straws. I dismissed this one rather quickly because there were two different .32-44 loads produced commercially.

Now it's your turn.

Ralph Tremaine

[S&WsRsweet]

Now Mr Tremaine you know I am new and no where as knledgeable as you or many other experts on this forum but this is my guessopinion .My guess is along the lines of your second thought it was probabaly calibrated for a certain " match" load of the time as this would be a gun bought for that specific purpose .These guys were generaly shooting one handed what I call " duel style " so recoil played even more of a significant role in those days .My guess is it was set up from the factory for a match load of the time ,and as most folks who bought these were probabaly serious shooters they probabaly also reloaded their ammo as it wasn't uncommon for firearms manufacturers to offer loading tools along with their firearms .Thats all I got dont laugh too hard .

[JSR III]

I believe that the real reason behind this was more or less the cause rather than the result. Because of the significance of the change to the latter, the former would probably have not shown any improvement. If things were left to be as they should be then no alterations would be deemed appropriate unless the circumstances prevailed upon the final decision.

[rct269]

Originally Posted by JSR III

I believe that the real reason behind this was more or less the cause rather than the result. Because of the significance of the change to the latter, the former would probably have not shown any improvement. If things were left to be as they should be then no alterations would be deemed appropriate unless the circumstances prevailed upon the final decision.

That says it in a nutshell! I knew I could count on you to cut through all the---ah----all the confusing facts (such as they are---or may become) and lay it out so anybody could understand it. Well done!!

Ralph Tremaine

[model3sw]

One question ... is the "fact" or speculation ?

[Bakebfr480]

I never heard of a 32-44 cartridge.

[rct269]

Originally Posted by Bakebfr480

I never heard of a 32-44 cartridge.

It is one of two calibers/cartridges (generally) available in the New Model #3 Target series---that being the first S&W revolvers sold only as target guns. They were introduced in the late 1880's. Its companion cartridge the .38-44 S&W (not to be confused with the 38/44 S&W Special (a hot rod round developed for the so-called 38/44 Heavy Duty revolver in the early 1930's, and generally considered to be the predecessor of the 357 Magnum). It was available in two loadings---a round nose bullet and a round ball (gallery). The specifics of the loads/cartridge dimensions, and one thing and another can be found by visiting with Mr. Google.

Ralph Tremaine