Several weeks back, I came upon a gun I wanted for sometime, a M&P 32-20 target. Like many of us, I had a few fixed sight 32-20s, which are around if you look. As many of us know, 32-20 targets are much harder to find. There were a lot less of the 32-20 M&Ps compared to the high production of the pre-war 38 M&Ps. Its 144k vs about 1 million, literally. Production of the 32-20 M&P did end before WWII, but finished examples were still shipped out up to WWII.
It is commonly said that 5% or so of 38 M&Ps are target versions, but since about 6x more were made, we all see many more 38 M&P targets than 32-20 M&P targets. I personally would not be surprised if the 32-20 M&P target production pct is smaller than the 38 M&P target pct. If you wanted a pre war target gun, back then, I would have to think most people would have wanted a target revolver in 22, 38, or even 44 before getting a target revolver in 32-20. Hence the discontinuation of the 32-20 revolvers before WWII.
It was one of those guns that I wondered if and when I would ever get. It was not a gun that I passionately searched for, but if its scarce and pre war, chances are, I want one. I envisioned myself getting one which was lower in condition, but a great price, just so I could have one. I could then look for a nicer one later. Well that didn't happen, as I happened on a nice example as my first (and second
) one.
The one I bought ended up being a 32-20 1905 4th change target. Unfortunately, it has a replaced front sight, and the grips do not match. The gun may need the early convex type of grips. My letter is pending. Aside from those two issues, its a pretty one, one that I am happy to have.
Then I got an interesting surprise literally a week later, a local gun wheeler/dealer bought some guns from a collection, got a 32-20 M&P target! He stated that he listed it with a reserve, which ended up being $100s less than I had just paid. I wondered if he saw the one I bought, but realized he probably did not. I waited until the end, met the reserve, and got the gun. It ended up being another 32-20 M&P target 1905 4th change, SN 114XXX. Grips match, and the gun is clean, with some light holster wear, mostly on the barrel. Letter is pending.
I could not believe my luck, *2* 32-20 M&P targets in a 2 week period
I went for years without seeing them around, or seeing ones that had problems, or some which were just too high. Having one scarce revolver is nice, but having two is twice as nice
This gun is gorgeous, despite some light wear. The fit and finish is superb on these pre war S&Ws.
Here is the sight. I won't know which target sight style to look for until after I get my letter. Did the height change when the factory went to the patridge front sight in the 1930s?
The 114XXX gun has a little more spotting, and some holster wear, but for how scarce they are, I am happy.
Slowly but surely, my pre war K frame target collection is growing: top - K22/40, upper left and right - 32-20 1905 4th change targets, middle left and middle right - 38 1905 1st change targets, and bottom left and bottom right - 38 1905 4th change targets. Amazingly, all guns have matching grips except one, and all have the original finish, with varying degrees remaining.
A Dynamic Duo
Linear Mode
