A couple of scarce revolvers fell into my lap last year. I first picked up a very nice 4 screw square butt revolver, serial number 61192 that shipped from the factory in December 1905. I had been looking for an example of an early 4 screw square butt target gun for a long time and finally ran across this one. Call it a Model 1902 or Model 1905, but I call it a tough gun to find. The serial number range ran only from 58000 to 62450, or 4450 of both round butt and square butt guns. Tracking those found in this range, I determined that about half were square butt guns. Estimating that less than 5% were targets. in these early years of K frame production, that ends up being only 178 guns. How many survived is more of a guess, but it is hard to believe that more than 100 are around today. That borders on rare in my book, seldom seen.
Now for the rest of the story. About a month later, I ran across another 4 screw square butt!! Was fortunate to be able to purchase it. Best part is that it was serial number 61196, just 4 numbers away from my first purchase. The odd fact was that it shipped in February 1905, about 10 months earlier than its cousin. A year later, and I have not found another one out there for sale, but am thrilled to have this pair. I totally agree with Richard that they are some of the most beautiful S&Ws ever produced.
I like the long barreled K frames, so was very happy to find an 8" Pope barreled 38 Target. Just a great look! The gun is serial number 106688 and shipped in April 1908. It was shipped to Bourne & Bond, Louisville, Kentucky. Oddly enough, Roy; factory letter stated the gun was part of a 2 gun shipment and were both were special orders with no barrel length stated. I have shot it and it performs very well.
