Okay, who did it?

Deep Timber · Jul 14, 2026

Which one of you cards hung a sign around my neck reading, “Home for wayward Smith and Wessons?”

Had to drive an hour or so to a neighboring town, for a… root canal. Yeah me! Of course, to make the day a little better, I have to scout any gun shop I see.

This poor old beastie was the only interesting thing in a shop I’ve never found any treasure in. Looks like 1928 production. Will have to do more research.

It’s not a pristine gem, but will be just the thing for the little niece and nephew when they are ready to try a revolver. They’re still at the “Red Ryder” stage.

I’m doing this from the telephone - hope the image comes through…

Retired W4 · Jul 14, 2026

It did come through 5x5. Looks pretty good to me.

Retired W4 · Jul 14, 2026

BTW, I'm not responsible for the sign. I usually pin the sign on their back.
Edit: Or more correctly stated, I would have pinned it on your back.

FatDogEarl · Jul 14, 2026

If you don't want it, buy it for me

Deep Timber · Jul 14, 2026

Well, FDEarl, I’m sure you deserve it, but I believe I’m going to keep it. What a selfish fellow I am!

FZ1Tom · Jul 14, 2026

Uhm, not quite kowing what the other folks here do.....are the grips supposed to look like that?

Tom

Blackstone9x19 · Jul 14, 2026

FZ1Tom said:
Uhm, not quite kowing what the other folks here do.....are the grips supposed to look like that?

Tom

I know what you mean, but those grips are standard for the .22/32 hand ejectors

pasound · Jul 14, 2026

Those grips make that a real target revolver. Never seen any aftermarket copies, myself, so they add more than a little value.

Kinman · Jul 14, 2026

I like it, I find those stocks provide my bigger hand just what it needs on those smaller revolvers, if it was a single action Beakeart I would be jealous. The only single shots that come around my way are double action last models. I keep hoping an Olympic chambered 1st or 2nd Model will come my way. Every old guy needs one of those to plink around with and show the youngsters how well the old stuff does.

FZ1Tom · Jul 14, 2026

Oh yeah, I can see how that would be more functional. I have larger than average hands myself, easily able to palm a basketball, and my Police Positive Special pretty much gets swallowed up in my hand. A Ruger LCP is pretty much a two finger affair even with the pinky mag extension as well.

Definitely a funky look, though.

Tom

Bekeart · Jul 15, 2026

22/32 Heavy Frame Target - First production was in 1911.
Much later it became Model 35.
Some suggest using only STANDARD VELOCITY ammo.

Bekeart

Deep Timber · Jul 15, 2026

Thank you. I test fired it with CCI standard velocity, then checked online later to see what the consensus was. I think I’ll stay with that load.

Green Frog · Jul 17, 2026

Yes, those grips are correct for the HFT, probably will number to it. OTOH, I once got one with a set you would expect to see on a Regulation Police Model. When the RP Target (32 S&W L) showed up, they seem to have used both types of grips on them as well.
Somehow I never could really warm up to the Target Grips for my HFTs and RPT, and actually preferred both the look and the feel of the RP grips, but then again, I’m probably just weird.

Friendofbillw1 · Jul 17, 2026

Some of my favorite revolvers I have are "beastie"s I have one from 1923 that I absolutely love shooting. It looks more beastie that that one

You did good. Let me see if I can find a pic....As someone mentioned above you'd be best suited to use standard velocity. I bet if you take those stocks off you will find it is a round butt frame and the grips are made to look square.

Deep Timber · Jul 17, 2026

Love the stags on that one! Yes, that has a bit more character, but to my mind, that is simply proof that it was valued and enjoyed.

I shot mine a bit today. I zeroed the sights at 25 yards with CCI standard velocity. This is actually the first Smith I have owned with the old style target sights. I found them easy to use, and I actually like the windage adjustment system.

I was interested to hear that these are sometimes found with conventional stocks. Mine would not work for this, as the back strap has a big step in it. I'll have to shoot a photo and add it here.

ol777gunnerz · Jul 18, 2026

Green Frog said:
Yes, those grips are correct for the HFT, probably will number to it. OTOH, I once got one with a set you would expect to see on a Regulation Police Model. When the RP Target (32 S&W L) showed up, they seem to have used both types of grips on them as well.
Somehow I never could really warm up to the Target Grips for my HFTs and RPT, and actually preferred both the look and the feel of the RP grips, but then again, I’m probably just weird.

Mine shipped in 1919 when they were out of target grips, came with the RP's. I actually like them better. A O Niedner bobbed the hammer due to it hitting the skin between the thumb & forefinger in double action.

Hondo44 · Jul 20, 2026

Bekeart said:
22/32 Heavy Frame Target - First production was in 1911.
Much later it became Model 35.
Some suggest using only STANDARD VELOCITY ammo.

Bekeart

Excellent point! Standard velocity is recommended because the chambers are not recessed. At ~ # 525600, by change order dated Jan 7, 1935 on the next soft fitting order to recess chambers.
Recessed chambers have been reported as low as # 384570 (1923) but those had most certainly retrofitted cylinders in earlier guns once High Velocity 22 LR became available in the early 30's. Also in 1935 the .22/32 Kit Guns were introduced, all of which had recessed chambers.

Hondo44 · Jul 20, 2026

ol777gunnerz said:
Mine shipped in 1919 when they were out of target grips, came with the RP's. I actually like them better. A O Niedner bobbed the hammer due to it hitting the skin between the thumb & forefinger in double action.

And then with an Aug. 29, 1923 change order, replaced .22/32 HFT sq butt Regulation Police convex top stocks, returning to 2 screw target stocks as standard but with convex tops, and w/o medallions.

And from the original Paine bead front sight w/U-notch rear to a Patridge front blade w/square notch rear. The next day, the same was ordered for the 32 & 38 Target Models and the Single Shot Model as well, S&W 1857-1945 N&J pg. 235.

Okay, who did it?

Deep Timber

Retired W4

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Retired W4

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FatDogEarl

Deep Timber

FZ1Tom

Blackstone9x19

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pasound

Kinman

FZ1Tom

Bekeart

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Deep Timber

Green Frog

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Friendofbillw1

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Deep Timber

ol777gunnerz

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Hondo44

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Hondo44

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