1905 Target, 6th screw? Pictures

swampersand · #1 10-20-2008, 06:33 PM

Maybe I should stop buying interesting stuff, I never know what I end up with. Just picked up what I think is a 1905 M&P 1st change target. No dowels under the extractor star, (SN about 110,000 puts it between 1906 and 1909) with a Marble Sheard 35D front sight and 6 1/2 " bbl. Gorgeous grips numbered to the probable reblued gun, sn penciled on back of right grip.

BUT- What is the 6th screw that is located in the frame at the highest point of the arch between the trigger guard and the stocks. I thought that hammer stop screws went into the back of the trigger guard, or is this a variation? Anybody know? The screw is visible in the photo of the left grip.

swampersand · #2 10-20-2008, 06:33 PM

Maybe I should stop buying interesting stuff, I never know what I end up with. Just picked up what I think is a 1905 M&P 1st change target. No dowels under the extractor star, (SN about 110,000 puts it between 1906 and 1909) with a Marble Sheard 35D front sight and 6 1/2 " bbl. Gorgeous grips numbered to the probable reblued gun, sn penciled on back of right grip.

BUT- What is the 6th screw that is located in the frame at the highest point of the arch between the trigger guard and the stocks. I thought that hammer stop screws went into the back of the trigger guard, or is this a variation? Anybody know? The screw is visible in the photo of the left grip.

mikepriwer · #3 10-20-2008, 07:20 PM

Its not factory - that much I would assert. I would guess there was
probably, at one time or another, something like the upper insert from
early grip adapters. Someone wanted it to feel a bit more filled in, in
that area. Then, sometime later, someone else did not want that, took it
off, and filed the hole with a small screw.

What's under that hole, inside the lockwork cavity, is the rebound slide.
I can't imagine wanting to press up against the underside of the slide.

Later, Mike Priwer

swampersand · #4 10-20-2008, 08:44 PM

Thank you Mike; given that info I'll disassemble the unit and see if the hole even goes clear through. I guess I would prefer that they had used the grip filler plates and left them on so I could have acquired a set at a bargain price! I'll post what I discover.

#5 10-21-2008, 08:20 AM

I've seen a very guns that had a filler piece of wood(usually) mounted in this are. Many of the ones I've seen were broken of cracked and patched. Certainly not Factory in my opinion. These Stocks are not correct to have had an original "grip adapter" so if they are numbered to the gun then that answers another question.

swampersand · #6 10-23-2008, 05:21 PM

I have shown this gun to a couple of knowledgeable dealers who feel the finish is original, not a re-blue judging by the sharpness of edges, holes and barrel markings. One pointed out the "factory option" Marble front sight; is anyone familiar with that option?

Alk8944 · #7 10-23-2008, 08:44 PM

swampersand,

Blowing the photos up it looks very much like the finish is original. I agree with Mike that the screw hole shown is non-factory and is for what is really more correctly referred to as a grip filler that would have been screwed in between the triggerguard and the frontstrap. I have seen others and have a Model 28 with a grip filler.

I am curious about the comment by KKG that the stocks aren't correct for the factory grip adapter? Just what is not correct about them??

Muley Gil · #8 10-23-2008, 11:07 PM

If swampersand's revolver had come with a factory grip adapter and the adapter was removed, the fit would be different. The metal plates of the adapter push the grips away from the frame just a smidge.

TSQUARED · #9 10-24-2008, 06:12 AM

swampersand,
I believe your additioinal screw hole was drilled for a grip adapter. I have also seen some old revolvers with additional hole drilled in the grip for a shoulder stock.

With respect to the originality of the front sight, only a factory letter will tell. However, these guns were very common and bullseye pistol shooters would frequently change the front sight to suit their particular needs.

swampersand · #10 10-25-2008, 04:39 AM

When I showed this piece to a local gunshop owner who is into pre-war targets, he said "you even have the factory option Marble sight". At $50 per letter, I may just go along not knowing for certain; probably doesn't make much difference in the long run. The extra screw being for a grip adapter makes good sense. I'm just glad the hole is centered and not drilled for a #10 screw!