38/44 King super target Outdoorsman

robert wyckoff · Dec 27, 2015

Hi,

I own from what I can tell a quite rare pre WW-II King super target with most of the bells and whistles. The condition is near 99% with provenance. The gun left S & W on Mar.10 1938 directly to King Barrel and Sight co. of San Francisco with one other identical gun. I know this much thru Smith & Wesson.

I have read that King did not buy guns in advance of sale, and I inherited this gun from a relative whom I expect ordered it from King, as he was a member of a collegiate shooting team in the Bay area.

I have a King catalogue with all the prices and pic's of the various products including Colt and Smith revolvers. Helps me think my relative did buy the gun from King directly.

The orange/red front sight, the vent rib, the cock-eyed hammer, all contribute to making a beautiful weapon. The trigger has been reworked as well. Adjustable rear sight with rounded corners (outdoorsman variation). A wonderful accurate shooter indeed.

Gun value does not include King in any books I have seen. I'd like a bit of feedback on possible value.

regards

RKmesa · Dec 27, 2015

We would love to see some photos. Here are a few threads on similar guns:

Photo Source Thread: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-war-38-44-outdoorsman-king-super-target.html

Photo Source Thread: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/90088-38-44-king-super-target.html

Photo Source Thread: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...277-pre-war-38-44-outdoorsman-king-twist.html

RKmesa · Dec 27, 2015

Here are a couple of my Super Targets:

A K-22 Outdoorsman with grip adapter:

A M&P 38 Special with Roper Stocks:

19leben · Dec 27, 2015

RK what's the deal with the cockeyed hammer? I've seen a few others on this forum, I'm sure there's a reason but it eludes me.

S&WIowegan · Dec 27, 2015

The cockeyed hammer enhances the shooter's ability to quickly thumb cock the revolver during Bullseye shooting matches. Bullseye was a one-handed shooting sport when I was doing it.

robert wyckoff · Dec 27, 2015

thanks for the posts...I am learning a great deal. I'll post photo's soon, however I am not likely to sell

Robert

H Richard · Dec 28, 2015

Bullseye competition is a one handed sport, and requires a "Timed" (2 strings of 5 rounds in 20 seconds each) and a "Rapid" fire (2 strings of 5 rounds in 10 seconds each). While some shooters may fire the Timed and Rapid stages using double action, it was normally done using single action and cocking the hammer for each shot. The larger hammer with offset enabled it to be done without shifting the hand and within the time frame.

weatherby · Dec 28, 2015

robert wyckoff said:
thanks for the posts...I am learning a great deal. I'll post photo's soon, however I am not likely to sell

Robert

Looking forward to your pictures.
Do any of the grips/stocks on yours look similar to any posted already ?
A serious bullseye shooter was often very particular on the stocks used also
and some like the Ropers and Sanderson are high dollar items that in my opinion greatly contribute to the gun.

robert wyckoff · Dec 28, 2015

standard Smith grips I have taken pictures, but am not familiar with the upload method. I will be back when I figure out how to post

410bore · Dec 28, 2015

Robert,

Here are your pics. It looks like a very fine KST, one I'd like to have

Also wanted to ask, do the stocks number to the gun?

lowhog · Dec 29, 2015

Very nice Revolver! You asked possible value. I'll take a shot and say north of 2500.00 in the condition its in.

jsfricks · Dec 29, 2015

Robert,
That's a keeper right there! Write down the history on it so when your gone future generations will know where it's been.

DCWilson · Dec 29, 2015

Very nice gun. Kris' question about the stocks is on target because the sharp corners of the checking field testify to prewar manufacture. If the stocks number to the frame, that's just another plus for setting valuation.

Lowhog gave you a good estimate on value. Anybody who wants a prewar KST OD should be willing to pay $2500 for that one, and some some would go to $3000 or more.

robert wyckoff · Jul 31, 2018

38/44 King modified Mar 1938

This gun has been in my family since new, however the time has come for me to say goodbye to a fine shooting machine as I am getting along in years. I am asking $ 4,500.00 plus shipping and FFL fees. I have kept the gun safely since I inherited it. Provenance letter will accompany the firearm plus literature from King Barrel and Site Co. of San Francisco used by my uncle to order the accessories.

Robert

daddio202 · Jul 31, 2018

Such a shame you have to let that beautiful heirloom go. Even a bigger shame that I do not have $4500 in my gun stash. I am sure somebody here will give it a good home. I am just happy to see a picture of any gun King enlightened. Good luck and wishing good health upon the op.

38/44 King super target Outdoorsman

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