Snagged a real interesting one today! It is a .22/.32 Heavy Frame Target Model. While not a true Bekeart, as this gun shipped a little later, the configuration is the same as Mr. Bekeart's original specs. It is a 6" with the oversized target stocks. The stocks number to the gun, with the serial number written in pencil on the right grip panel. Serial number is 458xxx. If anyone can pin down the date I'd love to know. The best I got from SCSW is that they reached around 350,000 by 1923. Since the stocks have no medallions, I'd say it had to ship before 1930. Chambers are not recessed. I tried it today with Remington Golden Bullet high velocity, and it perked along just fine, staying around 2" or so at 25 yards. Shot to point of aim too! I love these stocks! They fit my hand like a glove. Best part is it was offered to me for $430 + tax. I thought it was a good deal. Now my model 35 has a granddad! I'd love to hear from the experts. How'd I do? Here's the pics:

You did quite well! Looks like a custom front sight blade but could have been requested from the factory that way which they would happily do in those days. There might be an after market sight supplier's name on it.

The mushroom knob indicates a pre-c. 1928 date. the change order came down in 1927 to the 'barrel' knob.


454453 shipped 1926

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Hondo44,

Thanks for the info! This helps pin down the date a little further. I wasn't totally sure about the front sight insert, but knowing that it could be ordered from the factory that way makes me feel better.

BTW, I forgot to mention, this gun does not have the serial number on the barrel flat, as most Smiths of this age do, although it is in all of the other usual spots. The serial number is on the front strap, cylinder face and yolk, but not the barrel flat. Is this unusual?

#495640 shipped January 26, 1929



I can't remember if mine is numbered on the barrel flat. I'll check and get back to you.

BTW - did you find that locally?

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Rick
SWCA #2727 , SWHF #435

1926, I think, or maybe early 1927.

An unnumbered barrel may be a replacement. If an original barrel was bulged or otherwise damaged, a replacement barrel was probably the easiest fix. The service department would ordinarily have stamped the serial number on a replacement part like a barrel, but there is no need for a factory return to handle a fairly simple repair like a barrel replacement.

A nice gun and a good deal. Remember that HV ammo did not come along until the early '30s, so this gun was not designed for the higher pressures of the zippier .22 ammo most of us shoot today. It would probably be a kindness to the old gal to shoot only standard velocity rounds in it.

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David Wilson

I'll add to it, as # 44172X shipped 9/1926. Bulged barrels weren't that too uncommon back then as the reliability of the ammo was not what we have today. I have one that had a small bulge and I had David Chicoine put a barrel line in it.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Thanks guys for the info! 1blindref, I appreciate you checking your barrel. Yes, I found the gun locally.

I'm sorry that I'm just getting back to you. I checked my gun and it does have the serial number on the barrel flat.

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Rick
SWCA #2727 , SWHF #435

Hopefully this narrows it down...s/n 4583xx shipped June 7, 1927.

444707 shipped March 8, 1927----barrel is numbered.

RCT