Found this in a local shop. Did not buy it. the bore is pitted and it is pretty rusty.
If I can get it for $200. I will bite.

Database research places it in 1925. serial is 509809.

Never seen a 6 inch with a round butt. Grips number to the gun.

Maybe I should buy it and make a 3" project out of it.



























Allen Frame

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NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

Looks like a once really nice example that was allowed to deteriorate in recent times through neglect. Also gives the appearance of having scarcely ever been fired. Shame.

Still, I'd snag it right up for $200 and be tickled with it. I'd probably give the bore and chambers a long-term soak in Kroil followed by a good working over with JB Bore Cleaner and see what could be done with the bore.

I don't suppose it is a scarce combination but it sure isn't one I've ever seen except in really early M&Ps. By the post WWI period it has to be more uncommon.

I would chop a bulged barrel, but I doubt I would cut one down just because it was pitted. I would agree that this gun deserves a Kroil bath to stop what's wrong with it from getting worse, a good cleaning and oiling against further deterioration, and then life as a great ol' shooter.

Round butt 1905s are definitely less common than square butts. If you can get this one for $200, go for it. I might even go $250 with the idea in mind of restoring its dignity, but not resorting to plastic surgery.

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David Wilson

All a barrel has to do is spin the bullet so it doesn't hit sideways and I have saw some badly pitted barrels that still shot the bullet straight. If the barrel still has rifling it will probably be ok. Larry

I bought this 5" from 1916 because the round butt, large medallion grips looked so good.

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"Looks like a once really nice example that was allowed to deteriorate in recent times through neglect. Also gives the appearance of having scarcely ever been fired. Shame."

Exactly. And yes I bet it would shoot as is.

It came from a bunch of police impound guns that were traded in by
a local department some time ago.

I got to get this idea of cutting down every orphan I find just because I get it cheap.

I will see if I can make the deal tomorrow.
An 85 year old Smith does not deserve to die a slow,cruel death like this.

Thanks guys.
Allen

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NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

That is a very cogent thought!

For anything less than $300 I'd be on that like a Duck on a June Bug! Bet it cleans up far better than you ever would expect.

My limited experience (three barrels - two S&W, one Broomhandle) agrees with this.

WOW!
Congrats on that one. I've never seen a 5" round-butt..

I don't think a round butt with 6 inch barrel is all that scarce. I have a 1905 3RD change with that configuration. The hard rubber grips are unusual on a 1925 gun. I thought the standard grip at that time was walnut with no medallions. I agree with the others, if it is a good shooter, I would not cut the barrel down.

"I've never seen a 5" round-butt.."

I have one, with hard rubber grips, in .32-20. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures and it is too dark to take any tonight.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Its too easy to find something close to what you want without cutting! I picked up a 10-5 SB 3" for less than your candidate plus the gunsmith's bill. And, +P's are on the menu.

Seriously. I agree unless a ringed/bulged barrel is present, a broken hammer spur etc. I'd stay intact. The only excetion I might consider would be to Fitz Special a Police Positive Special but that isn't a fit subject for the S-W Forum.