Pre WWII M&P Target 4 inch

[Hugh WW]

Does anyone know of or have insight as to whether four inch target models were ever made? Thanks much, Hugh

[bruce5781]

I have several, as do others on here.

Regards,
Bruce

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[DCWilson]

My sense is that S&W always preferred to put 6" or 6-1/2" barrels on their target revolvers, but that in the 'aughts and early 'teens of the last century would make a few with 4" barrels as well. In the '20s and '30s, the shorter target barrels pretty much disappeared, though a few were produced as special orders. In the years after WWII, the shorter barrel made a comeback on revolvers with adjustable sights.

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by DCWilson

My sense is that S&W always preferred to put 6" or 6-1/2" barrels on their target revolvers, but that in the 'aughts and early 'teens of the last century would make a few with 4" barrels as well. In the '20s and '30s, the shorter target barrels pretty much disappeared, though a few were produced as special orders.

I think David is generally correct about this. I will offer a couple extra comments.
1. There were some 5" target revolvers as well, during the period mentioned.
2. The 6 1/2" barrel was dropped in about 1909. Thereafter 6" was the longest of the regular production units.

Here is a 5" target .32-20 HE that shipped on March 15, 1904.

[mikepriwer]

In response to the question about whether any 4" pre-WW2 targets were ever made, the answer is 'Yes, there were some made." . Here are pictures of some of my 4" pre- WW2 M&P targets.

1899 Nickel Target - Factory-shipped with Pearl stocks
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1899 Blue Target - K B Birds-Eye Maple Grip
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1902 1st chg blue target
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Ed McGiverns K-22 Blue Target - about 300,000 rounds through it
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Ed McGivern 1905 ( ~1908 or 1909)
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1905 with USRA front sight
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1905 Casteldini: Well-known shooter & Springfield Revolver Club member
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1905 Shipped to George Herrold NYC gun store
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1902 32 Winchester
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1905 32 Winchester
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1905 32-20's chambered in 32 long, sequentially serial-numbered.
Special order 32-20's in 32 long were made in a group of about 12
or so revolvers. These two are in the 43XXX serial number range.
Other groups known are in the 53XXX range, and the 60xxx range.
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[DGNY]

Highly fortunate to be able to drink from the well of such knowledge, insight and spirit of sharing.

Thank you…

[mikepriwer]

Another batch of 4" pre-WW2 K-frame targets have been added to my posting on this thread. I still have to straighten out the rotations on the first batch.

Mike Priwer