7 1/2 Triple Lock Target Find

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MAJPATT

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Gentlemen, I recently purchased this 7 1/2 inch triple lock target, .44 Special. It is serial numbered in the 50xx range. It is equipped with a "Sheard" marked gold bead style front sight.

Mechanically it is tight and sound. There are no factory rework stamps. There is some blotchy, finish loss. But there is no pitting and what remains of the blueing is beautiful; deep, inky and mirror reflective.

This is the first 7 1/2 in gun I have owned. I love it. I think it looks great and points.

I know S&W did not build a lot of TLTs. Can anyone tell me the approximate percentage of TLTs that were equipped with 7 1/2 in barrels?

Thanks.

C1sTykK.jpg


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Hi
The triple lock Targets were made in 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 1/2 and 7 1/2. The most common
Barrel length was 6 1/2. The 4 inch was the rarest, 5 inch next and the 7 1/2.
based on the amount we see of the 7 1/2 my best guess would be estimated less than
300 to 400. The only way to know the amount is from the shipping records.
I hope this helps.
Jim Fisher
 
Thank you for the information Mr. Fisher. I appreciate the response.
 
Do you think any 4" (or 5") Target Models were actually manufactured? A 4" Target seems counterintuitive as a longer barrel length would be preferred if precision was desired.
 
MAJPATT,

If you would consider trades, I have two excellent+ "Eye Teeth". Original finish, tight, no end-shake, little side movement, sharp edges......please let me know & thanks for considering,
 
MAJPATT said:
Thank you for the information Mr. Fisher. I appreciate the response.
Click to expand...

I consider Jim Fisher's estimate to be right in the ball park.

Roy's response to the same question is: "The number of these revolvers with target sights is difficult to estimate. It is my opinion that between 250 and 500 were completed with 7 1/2" barrels and some type of target sight."

I take "some type of target sight" to include the handful of drift adjustable for windage only sights for the Bisley matches.

Roy's estimate puts the 7 1/2" percentage of ~ 15,000 total TL production in 44 Spl Chambering at from 1.7% to 3.3%.
 
mrcvs said:
Do you think any 4" (or 5") Target Models were actually manufactured? A 4" Target seems counterintuitive as a longer barrel length would be preferred if precision was desired.
Click to expand...

As Jim indicated above, there were and he has some of them.

Short barrels with adjustable target sights may be counterintuitive, but shouldn't be. The benefits of the ability to have an improved sight picture and to adjust the sights for different loads is really irrelevant to the barrel length. And some find shorter barrels to hold on target easier than long barrels.
 
Hi
In response to the 4 inch targets and 5 inch targets.
I have two 5 inch targets that letter. I also have one 4 inch Target that was modified by
the factory to Target. I only know of one more 4 inch target it was owned by Bill Orr.
I know of only 5 or 6 5 inch targets that are known. Bob Bettis has one.
I hope this helps. If anybody has a 5 inch target that letters please let me know and I will be glad to up date my estimate.
Jim Fisher

Here is my 5 inch Target My other 5 inch target is in Nickel it is the only nickel 5 inch known.

bmg60-albums-triple-locks-picture12160-5-inch-triple-lock-target.jpg


Here is the 5 inch Nickel Tatget.

bmg60-albums-4-inch-triple-lock-picture7774-44-tl-target-rev2.jpg


Here is the 4 inch Target.

bmg60-albums-triple-locks-picture15174-img-0087-a.jpg
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all of the comments. I appreciate all of the useful information.

Now it's time to see how it shoots. Luckily .44 Special is one of my favorites, and one of the main reasons I got into reloading.
 
Congrats. Great find.

A triple lock was at the top of my "grail gun" list for many years and then the elusive target option. Mostly to great luck and with great help from forum members I have purchased each.
I love and appreciate the opportunity to cherish such works of
art and skill and to shoot them with respect. I think my next goal is a short barrel Registered Magnum and will enjoy looking for one. Wish you fine shooting Major.
 
Jim,

I was reading this old thread again and noticed the wide hammer on this gorgeous Target TL of yours. Does it have a King cockeyed or double cockeyed hammer?

bmg60-albums-triple-locks-picture15174-img-0087-a.jpg
 
Last edited:
That is one mighty nice find sir! The luck to have it be a target version then the rare 7 1/2 inch barrel. You should buy a lotto ticket just in case you have just little more luck to be ringed out. A 7 1/2 barrel length is ... to me the perfect range length barrel for target work on a large frame gun. I only own 1 gun with 7 1/2 barrel length and I love it but it's on a frame of a main S&W competitor with the name starting with C. I have to post just 1 pic of it here but it fails in comparison to the op's TL. Enjoy!
 

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