Did I get the nomenclature right? I still have S&W "stuff" to learn and this weekend's gunshow was an example.

I went with a small amount of cash looking for a Colt Diamondback in .38 Special or .22 LR. Just barely enough to buy one at a price not too high.

Then I saw the attached S&W. I knew they had produced "Targets" prior to WWII. I did not know how many or what they would be worth. I did not know the full history of them. But I like the older S&W revolvers that were made before I was born. They speak of a time that will never exist again. A more laid back world I think.

I examined the revolver as closely as possible and thought "Any S&W .38 Special in this condition is worth $425.00." I bought it and now was below the price of ANY Diamondback (unless I found a clueless widow selling the hubby's guns).

It has holster wear along the leading edges of the barrel. Freckling alongside the left side of the frame near the grip, a small scrape under the frame next to the crane, blue loss and freckling on the front and rear grip straps, a thin scratch alongside the right frame near the grip. The grips number a 407XXX serial number but they fit the weapon very well. The checkering is smoothed down some and the grips darkened with age and use. I suspect it was someone's carry/use gun.

The gripstraps are smooth and not grooved. The trigger is smooth (perhaps after market smoothed?)

The action is tight, bore and chambers immaculate.

The front sight is a King Patent and had the red "knobby" insert but the exterior is gone and only a small hole is found with red (plastic?) in it.

I am assuming the manufacture date is 1921ish to 1923ish.

AFTER the purchase I came to the forum and searched here and learned about my new S&W. I learned that only 10% or less of the .38 Specials were made as "Targets". And it appears that pristine examples are rare.

Thanks to all of you who have posted pics of their's and info to educate me.

Since I burned up my "Diamondback" money I went and found a M14-3 in very good shape and bought it as well. Now I am building up my stash for the Diamondback...or another nice S&W!!

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

Nice Score!! much better than any Colt. IMHO

Great looking M&P Target!. I have several and shoot them often with light target loads, they are a joy to shoot except for the small rear sights and very accurate. The front sights on these guns were often changed as target shooters are a fussy lot, often the rear blade was changed too. One way to confirm it was shipped as a target gun is to remove the rear sights, they will be numbered to the gun on the bottom of the tang. The screws are very tiny and easily damaged or broken. Here is a photo of a King front sight. Just out of curiosity what was blocked on the grips in your photos, they were normally not marked.

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John. SWCA #1586

You did well! Nice M&P target. Thanks for showing.

I'd rather that than any ol' diamondback....

hsguy,

Thanks for the info.

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

Erase the Diamondback from your mind and start looking for a worthy K22. You won't be sorry. Oh, and double your budget. It costs money to obtain quality.

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Dick Burg

rburg,

You are correct in all respects. I know you are a high end collector yourself.

For me I am a shooter. If I found a Pre-War .22 Target at a "shooters" price I'd buy it. I already have a 1954ish K-22 and a 1983 M17-4. And a 1954ish K-22 Combat.

I also like the Colt D/A revolvers and am now only wanting a Diamondback. However...I flinch at what they are bringing these days.

I lie somewhere between quality and I want to shoot it and soon because time is too short to look for a true "grail".

I did miss out on a UHP Pre-War .357 Magnum for $1275.00 and a Pre-War .357 (6 1/2 inch and reblued) for $1175.00 at the October Show. I just did not have the money. I knew the prices were extremely low.

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Have guns...will shoot'em.