Need help

Allen in MT · #1 10-02-2014, 06:22 PM

A friend has this S&W and we are trying to find some info about it. It is a 5 screw 6", 6 shot .22.
On the yoke are the number 14 178
and SN# on front of grip strap is 488xxx
Would like to date this and some kind of value otherwise decent shape.
thanks

gjamison · #2 10-02-2014, 06:33 PM

That's a 22/32 hand ejector or Bekeart model. Looks in fairly nice condition. Value around $500 to $1000. Nice gun!

arjay · #3 10-02-2014, 06:36 PM

Check the thread titled early Beakearts.Theres some good information there.

murphydog · #4 10-02-2014, 06:37 PM

George has the ID correct. Look for the SN in pencil on the inside of the (usually right) stock panel; it is likely from the late 1920s.

JP@AK · #5 10-02-2014, 09:56 PM

Allen
While these are often called "Bekeart" models for short by many people (after the San Francisco distributor who originally requested the design from S&W back in 1910), S&W actually called it the .22/32 Heavy Frame Target Model until about 1931, when the K frame .22 Outdoorsman was introduced. After that, the revolvers like yours were simply called the .22/32 Target Model.
At serial number 488xxx, your revolver most likely does not have recessed charge holes. That change came along in 1935, although the exact serial number for this modification is largely unknown.
Nice revolver!

Retired W4 · #6 10-02-2014, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP@AK

Allen
While these are often called "Bekeart" models for short by many people (after the San Francisco distributor who originally requested the design from S&W back in 1910), S&W actually called it the .22/32 Heavy Frame Target Model until about 1931, when the K frame .22 Outdoorsman was introduced. After that, the revolvers like yours were simply called the .22/32 Target Model.
At serial number 488xxx, your revolver most likely does not have recessed charge holes. That change came along in 1935, although the exact serial number for this modification is largely unknown.
Nice revolver!

I think all of the quote above is correct. Beyond that you have a very nice and collectable gun. Now you need a large stone fireplace in a large den to shoot minor ceramic targets set up in the fireplace. I have some Russian River Valley Reds to celebrate the hits. I could supply some lightly loaded .22's for the gun as well.

sarg1c · #7 10-02-2014, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP@AK

Allen
While these are often called "Bekeart" models for short by many people (after the San Francisco distributor who originally requested the design from S&W back in 1910), S&W actually called it the .22/32 Heavy Frame Target Model until about 1931, when the K frame .22 Outdoorsman was introduced. After that, the revolvers like yours were simply called the .22/32 Target Model.
At serial number 488xxx, your revolver most likely does not have recessed charge holes. That change came along in 1935, although the exact serial number for this modification is largely unknown.
Nice revolver!

Is that what this one is? I just stuck these J frame grips on it. .32 S/W Long HE... Put the pearl grips up so I wont break them.

JP@AK · #8 10-03-2014, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarg1c

Is that what this one is? I just stuck these J frame grips on it. .32 S/W Long HE

No. It is built on the same frame, but is not a .22/32. The I frame was first built in 1896 (sort of) and was designed for the then-new .32 S&W Long cartridge. It therefore was thought of as the .32 frame. When Phil Bekeart asked S&W to build a .22 rimfire revolver on that frame, it became the .22/32 when it was finally cataloged in 1915. The name tells it all: a .22 built on the .32 frame size.
Your revolver has the standard chamber for this frame size - .32 S&W Long. It therefore is a .32 Hand Ejector, not a .22/32. Moreover, yours has fixed sights. The .22/32 was a target revolver with an adjustable rear sight.
I am just showing my prejudice in the next statement, but those modern J frame grips look just awful on that gun, in my opinion. You might consider finding a correct pair on eBay if you want to protect your pearls. My opinion only!
The extractor rod knob on your gun says this was probably produced before 1927, in case you are interested.

sarg1c · #9 10-03-2014, 08:29 PM

I don't like the grip either, just don't have anything to put on it yet. I'm not wanting to break the S/W pearl grips but might just put them back on. Would it have been sent back to factory in 1915 to have the pearl installed?

JP@AK · #10 10-03-2014, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarg1c

Would it have been sent back to factory in 1915 to have the pearl installed?

I think that is very unlikely. The owner could simply have ordered fancy stocks for it. Usually guns were sent back to the factory for repairs or refinish, not for a stock change.

But maybe someone here knows something specifically about this that I don't.

JP@AK · #11 10-03-2014, 08:37 PM

Apparently you posted your photo while I was typing an answer to your question!
Those appear to be factory pearls. Nice! Usually we see aftermarket pearl stocks, not originals. I still don't think they were the purpose of the revolver's return to the factory, but they clearly came from S&W (assuming that is a S&W medallion that I'm seeing).

JSR III · #12 10-03-2014, 11:25 PM

Without having the full serial number it is not absolute but you are probably looking at mid to late 1928. The change order to change from the LERK to the MERK was issued in January of 1927 and the change from non medallion stocks to silver medallion stocks came down on 2-11-1929.

I would love to add the gun to my database so if you are willing, PM me the full serial number. Guns in this serial range are right on the line of the change over from the LERK to the MERK so any additional information is helpful.