I started a thread last week asking for advice on buying either a 1905 M&P target in the upper $800 range or rather a 1905 M&P 4th change with service sights in mid $500 range. I could not get into any specifics at that time as they were in ongoing auctions. Now that the auctions are over and my gun is now purchased I can be more specific.
The target version was the gun I really had wanted and the advice here was that only about 10% of the made guns were target versions. Unfortunately I missed the boat on the target gun. I had asked the seller several questions when the minimum bid on gun in 640 serial range was $648. That would have been a good price worth the risk of something I could not touch before purchase. The seller did not respond to my questions which were about the finish that looked liked the carbona blue used in late 50's. The gun is in excellent shape but I questioned originality as it only had plastic target grips and the blue looked too good. Well after not answering me he then relisted the gun at $879 which I thought was odd after running for 12 days with no bids at $648.
I finally just chose to go the safe route with the 5 inch all original all numbers matching non target version for $545. It is in vwry very nice condition for an about 85 year old gun. Some may remember my remark as to the stunning case colors and the one and only picture I posted with vivid blue and straw colors on trigger. After getting it home and a close examintion shows this gun is right as rain!! The gun must have been shot very little but does show normal marks around gun. I just got lucky they did such a great job doing the case hardening that day. I am posting a picture of my new to me gun and one picture of the gun I did not buy in the ended auction. I know this gun will not appreciate or be as valuable as a target version but I am very happy with a gun in the very best possible condition I could ask for yet still be an occasional shooter. If anybody questions the case colors I assure you it would have to be done by Jim Turnball to achieve the results and I am positive nobody put that kind of time nor money into a $500 gun. The back of the trigger and hammer have the patent stampings on them so I am sure they are original to this gun. Serial # is 648782 so I think it puts gun at around 1935 and I love it!! I just cleaned and lubed it tonight so my pictures are not the best done inside my kitchen. I can post more pictures for any non believer that does not think Smithand Wesson did the case coloring. I am just so excited to post my story because this is my first pre war Smith and Wesson.
1905 target vs. Non target conundrum and final decision
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