.44 handejector third model target

hondobob · #1 10-28-2009, 08:06 PM

I recently acquired this gun. I believe it to be a .44 handejector third model target. Serial# s 719xx. I believe this to be a relatively rare gun. I believe this gun to be 98-99%. Any assistance would be welcomed on this gun.
thanks

VM · #2 10-28-2009, 08:16 PM

Very nice Bob! That's a sweet one. Two sold in 2006 in the 10K and 13K range.
Were you able to get box and tools?

CONGRATS

DCWilson · #3 10-28-2009, 08:31 PM

Well, that's another model I'm never going to own at those prices. I agree with your high valuation of its finish. What a beauty!

You probably know that serial number puts it about 1947.

What a catch! Congratulations. And then congratulations again.

29aholic · #4 10-28-2009, 08:36 PM

Welcome to the forum

Nice gun

hondobob · #5 10-28-2009, 08:45 PM

Thanks guys. Even a blind sow finds an acorn now and then.VM,thats why I have not been able to buy your grips,I was paying for this old handejector. Yes, I have a maroon box and some papers. I do not know if it is correct What screwdriver is correct.

Toyman · #6 10-28-2009, 08:48 PM

I believe what you have is a post war pre model 24 44 hand ejector 4th model target.
A 3rd model would not have a "S" serial number.

Hunt200 · #7 10-28-2009, 08:49 PM

Wow that is awesome!!

Doc44 · #8 10-28-2009, 08:54 PM

Very nice revolver that is a post-war transition model. It is listed in the 1946 All Model Circular as a 1926 Model 44 Target. It is a very rare revolver. Congratulations on acquiring it.

Bill

VM · #9 10-28-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hondobob

Thanks guys. Even a blind sow finds an acorn now and then.VM,thats why I have not been able to buy your grips,I was paying for this old handejector. Yes, I have a maroon box and some papers. I do not know if it is correct What screwdriver is correct.

It's all good Bob - nice score. I knew you had something up your sleeve.
Probably black screwdriver

rburg · #10 10-28-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toyman

I believe what you have is a post war pre model 24 44 hand ejector 4th model target.
A 3rd model would not have a "S" serial number.

Sure it would. 4th model 44s are better known as Model of 1950. Those produced prior to that were long action (usually) guns, and were correctly still 3rd models. The postwar modernization varied by model. With 44s, 45s, etc it was 1950.

VM · #11 10-28-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toyman

I believe what you have is a post war pre model 24 44 hand ejector 4th model target.
A 3rd model would not have a "S" serial number.

Toyman - 3rd models were S62489 - S75000 / 1946-49

Toyman · #12 10-28-2009, 10:05 PM

VM after reading page 160 of Supica's book I see where there were a very few targets made in the 44 hand ejector 3rd model postwar transitional guns, truly a limited run gun !

29aholic · #13 10-28-2009, 10:45 PM

I got an old nickel Combat Masterpiece and $100 I'll trade ya!!

hondobob · #14 10-28-2009, 11:12 PM

I guess I could consider that trade, but my darling wife would kill me because she knew what that gun was worth before I bought it.

29aholic · #15 10-28-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hondobob

I guess I could consider that trade, but my darling wife would kill me because she knew what that gun was worth before I bought it.

To be honest my wife would kill me too. I traded off the early nickel 27-2 shipped the year was born and now she has designs on this one

wheelgun610 · #16 10-29-2009, 03:58 AM

It's hard to imagine that there could possibly be a higher condition example of a post-war Model of 1926 target model in existance.

hondobob's gun should certainly answer the questions raised in the 44's coming available thread concerning whether or not any post-war 3rd Model Targets had ribbed barrels.

Livin' proof....

Mark

rburg · #17 10-29-2009, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hondobob

I guess I could consider that trade, but my darling wife would kill me because she knew what that gun was worth before I bought it.

You like living close to the edge, don't you?

Not sure I'd want my wife to be fully aware of such things, she might kill me for it.

smith17 · #18 10-29-2009, 08:28 AM

I bet if you could go back in time to when the original owner opened the box, a nickeled steel sight adjuster would have been included. Just my guess.
Ed

hondobob · #19 10-29-2009, 10:11 AM

Is it the same sight tool that came with the pre-29.

Doc44 · #20 10-29-2009, 10:40 AM

The sight screw driver shipped with the 44 Magnums has a knurled aluminum handle. The all steel screw driver with the knurled handle finished in nickel was first shipped with the pre-war K-22 Masterpiece (as I understand it). I would think the correct screw driver for your revolver is the all steel variety finished in black oxide.

I have a set of tools that was shipped in 1947 with a transition .357 Magnum (long action with the hammer block installed, like your 44) and it comprises the all black sight screwdriver, blue/black all steel cleaning rod, a copper bristled wire brush with a brass threaded core and a cotton swab with a brass core and base.

I also had a revolver in my collection that is the near twin of yours. It has serial number S71099 and was shipped on November 7, 1947. It was like new.

Bill

hondobob · #21 10-29-2009, 11:03 AM

Thanks,Bill.I have a black oxide knurled screwdriver with 9 rows on it.Is that the correct one.Thanks,Bob.

Doc44 · #22 10-29-2009, 11:12 AM

Bob...your sight screw driver is correct (these screw drivers were made with eight or nine rows of knurling, and either is correct).

Bill

j38 · #23 10-29-2009, 04:25 PM

You guys are KILLING me!

Thanks Much,

Jerry

RKmesa · #24 10-29-2009, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc44

I have a set of tools that was shipped in 1947 with a transition .357 Magnum (long action with the hammer block installed, like your 44) and it comprises the all black sight screwdriver, blue/black all steel cleaning rod, a copper bristled wire brush with a brass threaded core and a cotton swab with a brass core and base.

Bill:

I gotta ask - Do you still have the transition 357? I have at least one example of all of the engineering changes on the N-Frame 357 (e.g. RM, Non RM, pre-27(5-screw), 27, 27-1 and 27-2), EXCEPT a 4-screw pre-27 and a post-war long action 357 and I am not sure that I have ever seen a photo of one. If you still have it I would love to see a photo.

hondobob:

That is one beautiful 44....

hondobob · #25 10-29-2009, 10:16 PM

Thanks Richard and thanks to everyone who shared information with me.

50 target · #26 10-31-2009, 11:08 PM

HONDOBOB. great gun and the condition is certainly way beyond what most are in. at least the ones I have seen and the one that I own. I am curious about the box and wonder if you could put up some pictures of all angles and sides of the box? That would aid me in the quest for one for mine. Thanks and enjoy that fine gun.

Bob

hondobob · #27 10-31-2009, 11:37 PM

Bob, I will try to get some pictures of the box tomorrow. It is not in the best shape.Thanks for your input.

Bob

hondobob · #28 11-01-2009, 12:57 PM

Here is the pictures of the box that you requested.

50 target · #29 11-01-2009, 05:05 PM

HONDOBOB, thanks for the pictures. The gun is difficult enough to come by but to have the box as well is certainly creme on the top. That is one hard item to come by without mortgaging the house and since my wife wouldn't give me Power of Attorney, alas I had to settle for one in shooter grade condition but for $250.00 I can't complain. You have the hard work done in putting together a collection of 6.5" Target guns for the .44 cal HE Targets, first model through fourth. Enjoy, she is a jewel.

Bob