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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 01-01-2013, 11:50 PM
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Default Need expert opinion on 2nd Mod 44 Target

This 2nd Model 44HE Target(?) was for sale on a well known outdoors supplier website. I put a deposit on it, and will go fetch it when it comes in to my local store. My question is...are the sights add ons? They don't look like the sights on my other Target model. If they aren't, I may or may not go ahead with the sale, depending on the quality of the installation. But I could use some of the expert analysis of the forum. OldDominion
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File Type: jpg Target2.jpg (43.0 KB, 170 views)

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Old 01-01-2013, 11:52 PM
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They sure don't look factory to me.
They look way too high.
Jim
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Old 01-02-2013, 12:03 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by P&R Fan View Post
They sure don't look factory to me.
They look way too high.
Jim
Look high to me too Jim, plus the front sight on my other target sits on a boss, not a ramp. No other pics unfortunately. Doc
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Old 01-02-2013, 12:11 AM
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Definitely not factory. Rear sight might be a Micro of much later vintage, Patridge front sight of unknown origin. Could be a good shooter if the price is right, but points off for non-originality.
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Old 01-02-2013, 12:11 AM
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Those look like Micro sights to me. They were probably added to an existing fixed sight frame in the late '50s or early '60s.

I have a .455 Second Model that was converted to .45 Colt in the 1920s, to judge from the characteristics of the modification and some barrel stampings. Years later it got sights similar to the ones you show on your .44 and a reblue. A wonderful shooter, but not at all original.
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Old 01-02-2013, 12:36 AM
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I really don't know when S&W started grooving the grip frame. But by the time large medallion grips became standard, I'd also expect to see the grooves on the forestrap and backstrap. Its only significant because it will pretty well nail down if its an original target gun modified for aftermarket sights, or a fixed sight gun modified to target.

Second Model 44s have always been the red headed step child of the 44 family. Everyone loves Triple Locks and there's a lot of romance to the 3rd models. Of course the Models of 1950 have always been sought. The 2nd models have just been left out. No real reason for that. The actions are about the same and the barrels an rifling should be the same. The only difference seems to be the lack of a shroud and maybe half the selling price for an identical gun.
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Old 01-02-2013, 12:51 AM
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Those are pretty clearly Micro sights. Definitely aftermarket, even if expertly installed.

Larry
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Old 01-02-2013, 01:11 AM
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Should look like this:



This one is from 1923.
Sights are hard on old eyes, very small.
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Old 01-08-2013, 06:02 PM
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Default Update on Faux 2nd Model Target

I got the call that the 2nd Model Kitchen Table Target was at my local store and ready to be picked up. I expressed my disapproval and refused delivery. Then called the home office of this large outdoor sporting goods chain and requested my deposit be credited to my cc account. Also called the cc company and let them know the situation. The 2nd Model KT Target will be returned and "inspected", and if my claim is justified I get the refund, according to the nice young man I spoke to. One other note, when I talked to the guy at the store, he said " yea, maybe you're right...I notice the front sight seems a little loose too." A Target model with the front sight "a little loose." Anyway, if they do right, I'll give them their props here. If they try to rip me, I'll be sure to let ya'll know about that too. OD
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Old 01-09-2013, 10:42 PM
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Here's my 2nd Model .44 Target--the rear sight has been replaced with a later micrometer model. I think that the factory probably did the work, based upon the quality of the installation.


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Old 01-10-2013, 09:47 AM
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My 2nd Target shipped in '31. Other than the stocks, all matching numbers. The stocks were done by the very talented SwampRat of the Colt Forums. If this other poor thing had been modified by the factory, I would have been more enthusiastic, but that ramp front sight with a loose blade, well how much ammo would you burn trying to find point of impact? OD
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Old 01-19-2013, 12:12 AM
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Update 1/18/13 Well, Gander Mountain came thru and credited me back the amount for the "Kitchen Table Target." Gotta give them their props for doing right with no drama. Next time I need a duck call I know where to go... OldDominion
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Old 01-19-2013, 09:59 AM
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That would be a fun shooter but no collector value. I'd pay $400 for it to play with.
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