3 Triple lock 7 1/2 inch Targets in Rare calibers

[bmg60]

Hi
Here are my 3 Triple locks in 7 1/2 inch Targets.

1. Serial number 4699 in 45 Colt, open in the records but it is right. It was owned by a
Michigan HP LT that Was on the shooting team and was the training Officer. It is a all
matching Numbered gun. It also has a Checkered Trigger and a lanyard ring and the
serial number is stamped on the grip frame left side. This is the only 7 1/2 Target
that I have seen the 45 Colt. There were only about 20 triple locks made in 45 colt
and all the ones I have seen are fixed sights.

2. Serial number 4337 Has a factory letter was shipped in 1910 to a Washington Hardware
Company. I bought this one about 5 years ago from the son of the man that owned the
gun all his life. It is in 44/40 caliber the man that owned the gun was a Hunter and he
used it to hunt in Washington as he had a Winchester in 44/40 that used the same
ammo. This also the only 7 1/2 in target that is documented in 44/40.

3. Serial number 4176 Has a factory letter and was shipped in 1910 it is in 44 special
Caliber.

I have shot all of these and they shoot great. I will attach targets for all three.
Enjoy the history and the guns, the 45 Colt and the 44/40 are the only ones that I have seen in over 40 years of collecting.
Jim Fisher
Here is some more information on the 44/40 target from my original post in 1910.
Rare Triple Lock Target in 44/40 turns 100 years old on 2/28/2010
Century Old Triple Lock Target 7 1/2 in 44-40 Cal.

Two years ago a fellow member of the SWCA perused my display at a Washington Arms Collector show in Puyallup, and took note of my interest in rare variations in S&W revolvers. Sometime later, an elderly gentleman approached him about selling an heirloom revolver. After meeting the gentleman and inspecting his revolver, he contacted me about adding it to my collection.
The revolver is an original parts matching Triple Lock Target in .44-40 Winchester with 7 ½” barrel. The package included a period correct shoulder holster and a box of ammunition. It was ordered by the 83 year old gentleman’s father, and shipped on February 28, 1910 to a hardware store in western Washington. It has been in the family until now.His father was an avid hunter, and after taking delivery, carried the revolver throughout a lifetime of adventures, including taking mountain lions. He wanted a handgun in the same chambering as the rifle he used while hunting, something more powerful than a .44 Special loading.
The revolver shows carry wear, and is definitely not a safe queen, but it is one of the rarest S&W revolvers ever made. In my long experience as a collector, this is the first revolver of this type and caliber that I’ve seen. I am very happy I was able to acquire it. I have other .44-40s-- Triple Locks and 2nd models, but this one stands alone.
I f anyone has factory documented information on similar guns that I can provide when I display it, please let me know.

Enjoy the information and the picture, this could be the only 7 1/2 Target made in this Caliber.
Jim Fisher SWCA 1491

[BUFF]

Wow. Just... wow.

[Stirling]

Great seeing 3 unusual Triplelocks, even more so in .44-40 and .45 Colt. The .44 Special does look particularly sweet.

[ddixie884]

Thanx for sharing, again. You have such nice toys.

[steelslaver]

Wow, I dreamed about a TL 45 colt target. Figured such a gun did not exist.

Glad it is in good hands and actually gets shot.

[bruce5781]

Jim, thank you for sharing those

Regards,
Bruce

[Art Doc]

You know, Mr. Fisher, if you don't mind my saying so you have some really neat revolvers.

[Doug M.]

As much as I am not a collector in any sense and haven't the slightest use for any of these revolvers, it is just amazing to see them, and know how rare and special they are. The history of these pieces of art is important.

[tftech1]

This is a fantastic gathering of 7-1/2 inch TLs and their targets. I am fortunate to have only one 7-1/2 inch TL that is a straightforward .44 special target model with the original, somewhat worn, blue finish and proper service grips with gold recessed medallions. One unusual feature I discovered when I saw a recent GB auction was that mine has a serial number one less that a similar one owned be Elmer Keith. Wish I could have tried for a consecutive pair, but the EK connection put the auction beyond my reach.

One question about markings on the .45 and .44-40: Are the caliber designations roll marked on the barrel? A few years ago at the KC SWCA Symposium I saw a 6-1/2 inch standard TL chambered for .44-40 which had no caliber roll markings. I could not see these markings in this thread's pictures, so I would like to know if they are present.

[bmg60]

HI
To answer your question most of the early guns build in 1910 and 1911 were not cal marked. The three of these are not cal marked. I also have a 7 1/2 inch proto type
built in 1908 it is also not cal marked. There are also some of the first 455 build that are not cal marked. I have one of those also it shipped to Canada in 1910.
I hope this answers your question.
Jim Fisher

Here is serial Number 091 one of 12 Proto types it is not cal Marked also.
It has two Cly one in 44 Special and one in 44 Russian

[TripleLock]

Thanks for sharing some truly remarkable toys!
BTW, that's some remarkable shooting, too!

[bmg60]

Triple lock
It the guns the triple locks shoot really good. I have 7 that I shoot.
I shoot about 100 to 200 rounds a month you get better the more you shoot.
Jim

[JudgeColt]

Originally Posted by SaxonPig

You know, Mr. Fisher, if you don't mind my saying so you have some really neat revolvers.

Ah, Dr. S.P., always the master of the understatement!

[boykinlp]

Another post that defines why I love this forum. I never knew there was a Triple Lock in 44/40 much less 45 Colt. Awesome guns that look to be (with you).......bullseye eaters!!!!

[CptCurl]

Slobber, drool, slobber, drool. . .

[Muley Gil]

"It the guns the triple locks shoot really good."

I agree. I have a 5" TL that is a tack driver.

[.455_Hunter]

I am glad you ended-up with gun versus a pawn shop or "buy back", but it is sad that the .44-40 could not remain in family to be used and cherished by the orginal owner's decendents.

[Troystat]

Really nice old S&W's, they shoot nicely as well. Thanks for showing them to us.

[SAFireman]

Jim,

Thanks for sharing. And a big double thanks for helping folks see that these guns need and deserve to be fired and appreciated outside of a glass display case.