Hand Ejector made in 1900 w/ adj. sights?

S&W627 · #1 02-07-2013, 05:12 AM

Hello, a local shop has a 1st model hand ejector with adjustable sights (target model?) for sale (they say made in 1900). It's a shooter grade with 50% finish wear, but it locks up tight like it was new. How rare are target sighted 1st model hand ejectors? Six inch barrel, round butt, .38 special, sights look factory correct. It's only the second 1st model I've ever seen and I'm not familiar with them, so any information would be appreciated.

DCWilson · #2 02-07-2013, 06:08 AM

The aren't common. I usually figure that two to five percent of production for an early HE model will have adjustable sights. What are they asking for it?

S&W627 · #3 02-07-2013, 06:53 AM

$500. I think that's a fair price.

Wiregrassguy · #4 02-07-2013, 07:39 AM

As long as the action is working, I'd jump on that in an instant. The SCSW says a good condition gun is $375 and a target model brings 2 to 3 times premium. That book is 7 years old now, so figure in inflation, collector demand...

DCWilson · #5 02-07-2013, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S&W627

$500. I think that's a fair price.

Yes, assuming that is not a later add-on target sight. Even with only half its finish left i would certainly buy it.

S&W627 · #6 02-07-2013, 04:12 PM

Well, I went to take a look at it again today. Turns out it's a consignment gun, so the price is firm at least for now. My only real concern with it is that the very thin front sight is bent. I could probably push the pin holding the blade out, but I'm not sure the blade wouldn't break if I tried to straighten it (even with heating it). Doesn't appear to be shot much, but it does have quite a bit of holster wear.

Wiregrassguy · #7 02-07-2013, 04:22 PM

I believe oldwestgunsmith.com has replacement front sights. You can get a pin punch from MidwayUSA.com that is designed not to do much damage on removal/reinstallation. I would actually try a couple blocks of wood on each side and a vice grip pliers and bend it back into shape before I removed it. Or, maybe blocks and a vice and just tighten the vice until it is straight. The holster wear is to be expected in such an old gun. It's still a good deal at $500.

bullmack · #8 02-07-2013, 05:39 PM

Snag it. At least the guy placed it on consignment and didn't turn it in to a police buy back.

S&W627 · #9 02-20-2013, 04:19 AM

I'd like to thank everyone who offered advice to me. I went back to the gun shop and bought the 1899 hand ejector. I figured I'd probably never see another one and I'm currently into "odd" or "unique" items, so why not. I've never tried to post pictures yet on the forum, but I think I'll have to try. I could only find two separate photographs on the internet (one on this forum) of an 1899 hand ejector with adjustable sights, so if anyone has pictures of one feel free to post them so we can all enjoy them.
By the way could the gun technically be considered a pre-, pre- K38?

glowe · #10 02-20-2013, 10:35 AM

Nice. You probably know that the members love pictures, especially of an uncommon piece. Be sure to take pictures of the rear sight configuration and the front sight. There are many experts here that can tell you for sure if the rear sight is original or an add-on. You should have no problem repairing the front sight. Take it out and it should flatten without heat. I would use a brass flat punch to do the job. Sometimes holding it in a vice and tapping the top will bring it back. On the rare chance it does crack, you can find originals online or from members here on this forum. Just post in the Want to Buy section. It will look and shoot much better than now either way.

mikepriwer · #11 02-20-2013, 12:41 PM

Here is a picture of four target 1899's, with nickel finish, in the four different barrel lengths.

Mike Priwer

JP@AK · #12 02-20-2013, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikepriwer

Here is a picture of four target 1899's, with nickel finish, in the four different barrel lengths.

Oh, thanks a lot Mike!
Now I have drool all over the front of my vest!
Shheeeesh!
Jack

JP@AK · #13 02-20-2013, 02:02 PM

And, Mike, your post also reminds me of the only thing about this Forum I don't care for. It doesn't allow me to hit the "Like" button 16 times.

Jack

mikepriwer · #14 02-20-2013, 02:33 PM

Jack

Get some more user id's !

Regards, Mike

semperfi71 · #15 02-20-2013, 02:48 PM

Just two days ago I was thinking, "How far back did S&W have adjustable-sighted Hand Ejectors?"

And BAM! here's a thread with pics.

I was too lazy to get my books and look it up.

Nice buy SW627. Great guns and pics mikepriwer.

JP@AK · #16 02-20-2013, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semperfi71

Just two days ago I was thinking, "How far back did S&W have adjustable-sighted Hand Ejectors?"

Okay, Marine!
I can't help myself - here are two photos of a K frame .32-20 HE Target model that, according to the letter, shipped in March, 1904. The serial number is 80xx.
The stocks are, of course, later, added after 1910.
Jack

murphydog · #17 02-20-2013, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S&W627

By the way could the gun technically be considered a pre-, pre- K38?

I think the official name would be .38 Military & Police model 1899 Target?

By the way, try shooting it (probably with .38 wadcutter target loads) before straightening the front sight; a previous owner may have done that to sight it in instead of adjusting the rear blade.

S&W627 · #18 02-21-2013, 01:35 PM

Here's a couple of pictures of my new 1899. The pictures came out better than I expected. The gun doesn't really look as good in person. I guess a light coat of oil really helps. It's strange how the blueing almost seems to be flaking off. I also managed to straightened the front sight without breaking it.