I came across this revolver at an area gun store and need some assistance on the value. It is a .22/32 Bekeart Model with serial number 208324. As near as I can determine, this dates the revolver to somewhere between 1915 to 1919. This is based primarily on the 2-screw stocks and the S&W logo on the right side-panel. I would rate the overall finish as about 70% and there is very slight pitting in the barrel, nothing significant. Asking price is $990 and am told that is a very firm price. I would really like to have a decent .22/32 Bekeart Model to add to my very modest collection, but I am having a hard time convincing myself that the gun in question is worth that much. On the pro side is the fact that they aren't making any more of them. So, what do you think? Should I bite or should I pass?

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SWCA 3297 SWHF 583

Pass. You should be able to, if patient, spend far less and get a gun with more condition.

PASS!

There are enough that you should just wait for a better deal.

Bekeart

I just sold one in similar condition for $425. And another one with character sold recently in the Classifieds for $600 I think.

I agree with all the members above.

Although it's considered a 3rd class Bekeart Model from early 1914 with some collector value, which is why it's likely priced as is, I would not pay a premium for it in its condition.

They made close to 20,000 of these ".22/32 Heavy Frame Targets". You'll find better, cheaper.

If you find one with recessed chambers, post 1930, you'll have basically the same gun but able to shoot 22 hi velocity in it.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Nope, guess again! I bought this wonderful revolver from you and I would argue that it is NOT in similar condition. It is far nicer! Bluing much stronger, etc.

Gentlemen, I sincerely appreciate your thoughts on this gun. I originally felt pretty uncomfortable with the price on this gun, and you all have reinforced that feeling. Thus the request for advice from the real experts on the subject. I will pass and keep looking.

MRCVS, it sounds like you got a really good deal from this forum. I try to keep up with the listings, but I sure did miss this one. Seems like more often than not, I'm a day late and a couple dollars short.

Thanks again to you all.

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SWCA 3297 SWHF 583

That revolver is one of the 490 M.W. Robinson shipped .22/32 HFT's that went to NYC in one of 5 shipments in early 1914. Although not a Bekeart shipped gun, this group of revolvers should hold a special place with S&W collectors.

While Bekeart is credited with the evolution of a .22 revolver built on the larger .32 frame the story is that he ordered 1,000 guns to make that evolution take place. The records indicate however, that Bekeart only received 294 of those original 1,000 revolvers and yet in 1914, M.W. Robinson ordered and received 490 consecutively serial numbered guns starting with 207,926 and continuing to 208,416. These guns were all shipped on Jan 31, Feb 18, Feb 21, Feb 27 and Mar 19 of 1914.

Compared to other .22/32 HFT's, examples of these 490 are not often seen. I often wonder if Robinson shipped many of these guns to Europe as they were a large international supplier.

Another interesting "Bekeart" model factoid is that the 490 Robinson guns appear to have stock sequence numbers imprinted into the left stock bottom that fall into the third thousand group of marked guns. Gun 208,260 is marked with 2582 on the butt and is the highest stock sequence number that I have recorded to date.

The next serial number bracket to appear in my database starts with 220,166 and I have no stock sequence numbers recorded thereafter going on up into the 500,XXX range.

Sooo, back to the OP's gun. Based on the condition shown in the photos, I agree with the group that $900 is a little steep. On a side note, I would love to know if the left stock bottom has an assembly number stamped into it and would love to record that number in my database.

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James Redfield
LM #497

And, add another 10% to that! The asking price, which the OP made clear is firm, is $990, not $900. By the time sales tax and FFL fees are figured in, you are looking at closer to $1100.

James, thank you for that information. This is exactly why I love this forum. So many people with so much knowledge who are willing to share with others. I have learned so much since joining here, and realize every day how much more there is to learn.

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SWCA 3297 SWHF 583

You actually didn't miss anything. This one never made it to the classifieds as mrcvs read my mind and it worked out well for both of us.

And, show & tell time. Very happy with this one. Shipped June 1927.

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James, I just got an update on this Bekeart and there is a number stamped on the bottom of the stock panel. The response I got from the shop is, in part, "The numbers on the bottom of the grips is 2337."

So you have another one to add to your database.

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SWCA 3297 SWHF 583

I would be tempted, but it is a bit high. They are few and far between around here. There was one out for $1500 a year back and it did finally sell. It wasn't much nicer than the one you have pictured. Too rich for my blood. I would love to get my hands one like that for around $700.

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Dr. B