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07-02-2022, 02:58 PM
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Triple lock target help
Just acquired a new to me triple lock target. It is far from perfect but it’s the best and only one I have it has a 6.5 inch barrel and is .44 special. The butt,barrel and cylinder are all marked 5408,inside the frame and on the yoke are marked 1168. The Gun looks like it is all straight,the grips also number to the gun. My question is should the yoke also be marked 5408?
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07-02-2022, 03:08 PM
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1168 is an assembly number used during manufacture. Once the gun has left the factory, it has no other significance. Looks like you found a nice one.....Hope you enjoy it!
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Mike H
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07-02-2022, 03:20 PM
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The correct yoke marking is viewed through the cylinder charge holes.
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07-02-2022, 03:21 PM
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That is most excellent! Congratulations! Only about 112 years old or so... plenty of shooting left in her.
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Randy
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07-02-2022, 04:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dhusman
It is far from perfect…
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Most aren’t, but yours is nothing to sneeze at, either!
Where did you acquire it?
Does it have a factory letter and, if not, are you planning on acquiring one?
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07-02-2022, 05:47 PM
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Very nice pistola!
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07-02-2022, 06:10 PM
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Very nice!!!
SERIAL # LOCATIONS: To confirm all parts are original, one can check for the 6 (or 7 – on Triple Lock models only) matching serial # locations for fixed sight pre war Hand Ejectors and all post war Hand Ejectors thru ~1956 and a few as much as 3 years later.
NOTE: Observing serial #s with accuracy or even existence, especially on penciled stocks, requires magnification, bright light, and an attitude that they are there!
1. Grip frame butt (prefixed by a letter(s) following WWII except I frames) - or fore strap on I frame Regulation Police models and single shots with grips that cover the butt
2. Barrel - bottom of barrel or in extractor shroud, (Triple locks have tiny #s stamped in front end of the shroud; sideways/vertical if over 3 numerical digits, otherwise horizontal).
3. Yoke - on rear face only visible thru a chamber with a flashlight (except the .32 Model 1896 and no doubt a few others)
4. Extractor star – backside (which is actually the side facing the muzzle).
5. Cylinder - rear face
6. Right stock only - on back, scratched or penciled depending on vintage and stock material, stamped after 1929, (except most post war target grips because individual fitting not required.)
7. .44 TL models only: rear side of middle lock cam plate (Triple Lock models only)
TARGET SIGHT NUMBERING: Target models will have the serial number (or assembly # on very early 1900s guns) as listed:
1. front sight blade, must be removed to see it
2. under rear sight, must be removed to see it
3. rear sight blade, must be removed to see it
If the s/n is more than 4 digits, the front and rear sight blades can have a partial s/n. All three parts must be removed to observe the #s. Non-numbered front and rear sight blades have typically been replaced, in most observations.
Photo by Mike Priwer
Photo by Mike Priwer
ASSEMBLY (factory work, soft fitting) #s: These multi-digit numbers of 3 to 5 digits, are on the yoke at the hinge, in the ‘yoke cut’ of the frame opposite the yoke near the hinge (usually accompanied with the inspector’s letter or # code stamp of approval, but not always), and inside of the sideplate, for the pre war and early post war period thru ~early 1958. Once the gun is shipped, the only use for the assembly # is to confirm they match on all three parts it's stamped on, and are original to the gun. These are still in use to this day.
After the 6/22/1957 change order, Model #s were assigned and eventually stamped on the frame in the yoke cut. The serial # was soon after added in the ‘yoke cut’ as well and the assembly # moved from there to the left side of the grip frame parallel to the butt. More currently beginning in the 1980’s we see non-matching multi-digit numbers parallel to the butt left or right side, and inside the side plate.
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Jim
S&WCA #819
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07-02-2022, 08:17 PM
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Thanks so much for the help. I have located the number on the yoke. The front sight looks to be a W. P. Shear Tacoma wash. No. 35 and I have not looked under the sight yet. Looking at a total production of 15000 does anyone know how many were targets?
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07-02-2022, 10:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dhusman
Thanks so much for the help. I have located the number on the yoke. The front sight looks to be a W. P. Shear Tacoma wash. No. 35 and I have not looked under the sight yet. Looking at a total production of 15000 does anyone know how many were targets?
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I wouldn’t pull the front sight, it’s likely original and might even letter as such. It’s a Sheard sight, not a Shear sight.
Of the 15,376 commercial production Triple Lock revolvers, the best “guesstimate” is that approximately 10% of production is the Target Model variation.
Here’s a question for the true experts, or at least those who have removed front sights not manufactured by Smith & Wesson: IF a front sight is manufactured for Smith & Wesson by an outside vendor, such as Sheard, would the serial number of the revolver also be affixed to the front sight as well? If not, then nothing would be gained by removing the front sight as it wouldn’t prove anything.
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07-03-2022, 09:28 AM
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Thanks again for the help. The grips number to the gun and the other grip is marked with two x and some ones initials in pencil or ink. These old guns are so interesting and well done.
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07-03-2022, 09:50 AM
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What are your thoughts on getting a factory letter?
Firearm History Request | Smith & Wesson
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07-03-2022, 10:13 AM
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What a beautiful revolver. Thank you for sharing it. We would love a few more photos… please
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Richard
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07-03-2022, 10:27 AM
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I will get it lettered, I have several that I need to get done
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