Target 4th change 32/20 HE help(update with pic)

dwh · #1 08-29-2020, 05:03 PM

Today I came across a target 4th change HE in 32/20. The bore and chambers are perfect. The bluing looked to be at least 85%+. It’s wearing period correct non factory target grips. Unfortunately after have the shop pull the grips off there’s rust under the grips. No pitting but light surface rust nonetheless. They were asking a $1k before the grips came off. They told me to come back on Tuesday when the owner is in. What would be a good estimate on it now. I know it’s hard to guess without pictures. I do need a 32/20 revolver to go with my 3 rifles.
Thanks Dave

handejector · #2 08-29-2020, 05:13 PM

Buy it and clean the rust off with oil, bronze wool and/or a copper brush.

mh51 · #3 08-29-2020, 05:27 PM

Usually, light surface rust will come off with some 0000 bronze wool and a good penetrating oil, and won't damage the finish. The HE targets in .32/20 seem to be somewhat scarce, but the incorrect grips hurt the value.
I would try an offer of $800 and be willing go up if necessary.

red9 · #4 08-30-2020, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwh

...It’s wearing period correct non factory target grips....
Thanks Dave

Keep in mind that grips fitting your description may lower or raise the value.

Bob

Charlie Foxtrott · #5 08-30-2020, 01:46 PM

Light surface rust under the grips would not be a show stopper for me. I would try to talk him down. But you have to ask yourself. When are you likely to see another one come along, especially a clean one. .32 WCF is a cool round.

dwh · #6 08-30-2020, 02:46 PM

I’ll have a better idea on Tuesday when I talk to the owner. Its my understanding it’s been sitting there awhile. I’m a big fan of the 32-20 a revolver would a nice addition.
Thanks gentlemen.

Club Gun Fan · #7 08-30-2020, 04:52 PM

If I saw a 32/20 Target in a gun shop, it wouldn't be there long!

handejector · #8 08-30-2020, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwh

It’s wearing period correct non factory target grips.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh51

but the incorrect grips hurt the value.

Maybe.
Maybe not.
Depends on the definition of "period correct non factory target grips".
Would a pair of Ropers hurt the value?

bill-in-texas · #9 09-01-2020, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handejector

Buy it and clean the rust off with oil, bronze wool and/or a copper brush.

Dave,

If you buy it and think of it, please post before and after pictures detailing the rust area. At any rate, post pictures showing your "find."

I hope the seller will deal!
Good luck, Bill

Art Doc · #10 09-01-2020, 03:26 PM

How many Target Model 32-20s have you tripped over recently?

mstem · #11 09-01-2020, 03:42 PM

I ran across the same gun in a store just outside Richmond, Va 3-4 years ago. It is in the same condition as yours, almost. This one had no rust, chambers looked like new, rifiling was clean, shinny & sharp. It had stocks numbered to the gun. They were asking $850, I got it for $800. Made no difference if they came down or not it was going home with me.

CptCurl · #12 09-01-2020, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mstem

I ran across the same gun in a store just outside Richmond, Va 3-4 years ago. It is in the same condition as yours, almost. This one had no rust, chambers looked like new, rifiling was clean, shinny & sharp. It had stocks numbered to the gun. They were asking $850, I got it for $800. Made no difference if they came down or not it was going home with me.

Well, maybe you should post some photos. We like to look at them.

Curl

dwh · #13 09-01-2020, 04:02 PM

Well the owner of the shop is only willing to move 100 buck. I’m going back tomorrow for a second look.

glenncal1 · #14 09-01-2020, 05:23 PM

Great guns to shoot. Skinny little pre-war sights. Will be a good match for your rifles. If you reload you can roll up some good defensive ammo with a modern bullet.

dwh · #15 09-10-2020, 06:45 PM

It took awhile to get back out to the lgs because of work and family commitments. We finally struck a deal,they thru in a Heiser holster and the tax.

After getting it home today and removing the grips. What looked like rust in the shop turned out to be bedding material. Fortunately it is somewhat soft and is coming off with a brass cartilage/brush. It looks like the bluing is ok under it.

The sn# is 136682. The grips are walnut with an x on the inside of the left and a j inside the right. I’ll post more pictures when have time to clean it up.

murphydog · #16 09-10-2020, 06:59 PM

Cool gun. The serial number is late in the .32/20 series and the stocks are ‘50s - ‘60’s era, perhaps from Herrett’s or Sile; no idea if the inside marks indicate the maker. Enjoy!

.357magger · #17 09-10-2020, 07:08 PM

Nice find.

Congratulations.

Thanks for sharing it.

JP@AK · #18 09-10-2020, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwh

The sn# is 136682

Interesting. .32-20 # 136670 is also a 6" target model. It left the factory in June, 1927. Yours, only 12 numbers from that, could have shipped around the same time. But maybe not. It very likely was assembled around the same time.

Quote:

The grips are walnut with an x on the inside of the left and a j inside the right

My guess is they are from Sile's. I don't know what made you think they were "period correct." They aren't.

In any case, that one would have come home with me too. Congrats.

dwh · #19 09-10-2020, 07:55 PM

I’ll admit the grips were a WAG. They were getting replaced any how. Would it be worth getting a letter on it.

JP@AK · #20 09-10-2020, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwh

Would it be worth getting a letter on it.

Because it is a target model in pretty decent shape, I would probably letter it. So, yes.

nksmfamjp · #21 09-11-2020, 04:52 AM

Have you had the side plate off to make sure things are ok in the engine room?

bob1956 · #22 09-11-2020, 05:52 AM

Overall nice gun, under the grips do matter cause when u put the right grips on it the damage to the finish will show. I’ve made that mistake a few times when buying a gun. I said to myself it’s under he grips who cares, but after removing the Goodyear’s and putting on the correct magna’s the damage to the finish stuck out like a sore thumb. Obviously in this case the gun is a rare find so I would have to buy it. Congrats

raljr1 · #23 09-11-2020, 07:16 AM

Nice gun, nice price....

Green Frog · #24 09-11-2020, 08:32 AM

At that price, I think I would have been willing to take it with NO grips! I believe you will find that most of the corruption under the grips is surface stuff and with careful cleaning with oil and a coarse cloth or very fine bronze wool, most of it will go away. While not actually “period correct” those grips are fairly appropriate and after oiling the grip frame, I wouldn’t mind returning them to their place. A set of period Ropers or Sandersons will probably cost you 3/4 of what you paid for the gun. Congratulations on an outstanding find.

Froggie

dwh · #25 09-11-2020, 11:37 AM

The side plate came off easily and there’s nothing a good cleaning won’t take care of. All of bedding material came off and the bluing underneath is fine. The areas without bluing are the normal wear areas . There are some scratches where someone tired to pry the grips off. Overall it will look fine no matter what grips I put on. I’m thinking either service grips or stags with a grip adapter.

StrawHat · #26 09-11-2020, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwh

...Overall it will look fine no matter what grips I put on. I’m thinking either service grips or stags with a grip adapter...

Not target models but they are both Winchester Models with grip adapters, my preferred combination.

Kevin