.38 M&P Target At My LGS

Fredo Batali · Feb 12, 2017

I'm fixin to buy a early .38 M&P Target from my LGS. Would someone be kind enough to post a photo of the rear sight? I especially need a look at the elevation screw. This one has a small slotted screw under the sight leaf that's accessed through a corresponding hole. Wondering if this is correct. Thanks in advance.

De Oppresso Liber

410bore · Feb 12, 2017

yes, that sounds correct. that is the "spring up" style rear sight

RKmesa · Feb 12, 2017

There were a couple of styles:

"One Screw" on the earlier M&P Targets and K-22 Outdoorsmans:

"Two Screw" on the later M&P Targets and K-22 Outdoorsmans:

There have also been a few "unusual" rear sights with the second "set" screw behind the blade:

Combat said:

Post 60 here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-outdoorsman-appreciation-photo-thread-2.html

PALADIN85020 said:
I also have a gun with a rear sight identical to yours. This is a pre-war/post-war transitional kit gun (.22 LR). Here's a picture.

Post 109 here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-outdoorsman-appreciation-photo-thread-2.html

The last two are really anomalies, but I still believe that they are factory correct.

Hope this helps,

410bore · Feb 13, 2017

Missing one Richard, the large one screw "spring up style" on early 1905 target variants

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rct269 · Feb 13, 2017

Yes, it's correct. Given it's on a centerfire revolver, it's one of three possible variations which can be placed in time from 1899 to 1915.

If you want to get picky about it, given an elevation screw with a head on it, it's from 1899 to 1907--------------headless elevation screw and flat bottom windage screws, it's from 1907 to 1913------headless elevation screw and pointed bottom windage screws, it's from 1913 to 1917. Note these dates arise from the original research. The "large screw spring up sight" mentioned above was discovered later on, is of an entirely different design, was found to have come into being in about 1911-----and serves to mess up some of these dates I've given you. I reckon I could adjust the dates for you (although you can do it yourself), but I have to go to the dentist----even though I'd rather adjust the dates.

Ralph Tremaine

RKmesa · Feb 13, 2017

410bore said:
Missing one Richard, the large one screw "spring up style" on early 1905 target variants.

Kris:

The earliest one that I have is from about 1922 and it is the one-screw variety. I don't recall seeing the "spring up style", but I am growing older and I don't recall a lot of things that I have seen in the past...

I would love for someone to post a photo of one... please.

rct269 · Feb 13, 2017

Richard isn't missing one. Counting sights used only on rimfires, he's missing a dozen or more. Just be thankful for his fine pictures. That said, some of the dozen or more were used only on top-breaks------so they don't count---neither do those used only on rimfires. All things considered, and without the crutch of having "the book" in his hands, he did just fine.

I, on the other hand, I cheat. I have "the book". Nobody was looking, so I used it.

Be thankful also for whoever mentioned the "large screw spring up" variation, because if they hadn't----------I very likely would have blown right on by it (given my penchant to forget unpleasant things-----------and that sight is unpleasant----more like an abomination).

Off to the dentist!

Ralph Tremaine

bruce5781 · Feb 13, 2017

RKmesa said:
Kris:

The earliest one that I have is from about 1922 and it is the one-screw variety. I don't recall seeing the "spring up style", but I am growing older and I don't recall a lot of things that I have seen in the past... I would love for someone to post a photo of one... please.

Not a very good representation, but it's the only one one my phone at the moment. The hole to access the screw was filled with dirt on this one and I was able to bargain it down some because it was presented as having the screw missing. It is on an 1899 Target shipped in 1901.

Regards,
Bruce

ParadiseRoad · Feb 13, 2017

...Ralph Tremaine was kind enough to send some information on S&W target sights to me...Ralph...hope you don't mind me sharing a little of it here...diagrams of various adjustable rear sights...click on them to enlarge...

paplinker · Feb 13, 2017

Great info sheet.

I had a shot at 22/40 a year back that was a bit rough with a broken rear blade. I passed on it. Now i see the rear blade is its own style. I likely never would find one. Thought maybe even a King blade would work but the base would most likely be for an Outdoorsman only.

Nice paperwork for seeing the correct style for a 22/40

.38 M&P Target At My LGS

Fredo Batali

410bore

Member

RKmesa

410bore

Member

rct269

RKmesa

rct269

bruce5781

US Veteran

ParadiseRoad

Member

paplinker

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