just bought a 44 7 1/2 inch triple lock probably 60% finish serial #4097 think that makes it built in 1909. think it is target model. adjustable rear sights smooth backstrap smooth trigger and pinned front sight. what is a paine sight? bore is clean. do most triple lock fixed sights have a groove like a model 10? this one has a rear blade sight similar to my newer smiths looks like adjustable for height and windage. no buggered up screws. pretty darn clean. i know people will want pics but i got to find a computer literate person for that. appreciate any help. thanks.

Definately a target model. 7 1/2" is a plus. Looking foward to pictures.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

That sounds like one heck of a gun. TL targets are like hen's teeth, only more rare.

__________________
}-----Jim----->
~SWCA #2732~

Pure fiction, until we see the pictures.

A Paine sight is an early form of target revolver sight. It is a thin vertical blade with a scallop profile at the leading and trailing edge, so the top of the blade is shorter than the base. I'm not sure if a brass bead on top is part of the definition of a Paine sight, but there are many bead sights with that profile that are called Paine bead sights.

That definitely sounds like a special TL, and I too look forward to pictures. I have a couple of target TLs (both refinished in prewar years, so nice enough guns but not top-tier collectibles); their barrels are just the standard 6.5 inches. The one on the left in this photo (13202, shipped 1917) has a Paine bead sight. The other gun (5060, shipped 1911) has a King front sight that was probably added to the gun in the 1930s.



It is certainly possible that your gun shipped as early as 1909, but TL ship dates can be poorly correlated with serial numbers. There are guns with serial numbers lower than yours that shipped in 1912 and 1913. The only way to know for sure is to letter the gun -- which I would definitely do for one with that barrel length.

__________________
David Wilson

im sorry i cant put a pic up. will try to get someone over who knows how. it aint pure fiction. the pistols from dc wilson are spot on. someone has filed the front sight and knew that a file was used one way because there is a slight burr on one side of the front sight. i will get a pic up somehow. i like this websight and quietly watch but i lucked into something i will never find again and decided to ask and learn. tho i knew it was something special. a guy has got to get lucky sometimes!

Nice catch! Rare on two counts: target sights and 7 1/2" barrel.
Yes, all fixed sight TLs have the groove in top strap in fact all Smith fixed sight revolvers.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Here's a pic of mine in that same configuration. I have correct grips for it but I couldn't pass up putting the genuine ivories on. It shoots great.

__________________
Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

That gun looks fantastic with those old ivories!

You got to buy these when they pop up. Then go check them out. Sometimes you lose, but when you win it makes up for it ten fold.

I think you got a winner.

BTW, if you can't get the pictures deal done, please bring it over to the house.

Charlie

Gun.jpg

Now it is not fiction.

Very, very nice... needs new shoes but wow that's sweet... have you sent for a factory letter?

Drew

Looks like a great catch. Can't commit for sure with that photo but finish looks like it could be original. Of course you know the stocks are post war. But they will work much better for shooting it.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

yes gonna send for letter. grips were on it and i wasnt gonna argue bout the price. was tickled to get it. got to admit i knew it was a triple lock but not that it was a rare triple lock. 100% sure finish is original. showed it to a friend and told him i was gonna cut down the barrel and bob the hammer and he slapped me! he then told me he would trade me 40 acres and his oldest son as an indentured servant till he was 21. i'm gonna think on it.