1902 HE? **Update in Post 12**

[Dump1567]

I finally went back and picked-up this $300 1902 HE probably made in 1902. What version is this? Anything special I should know. I cleaned it up a little. Timing is right on with a smooth action. I will shoot this next week.

 

[Dump1567]

Ready to shoot.

 

[JP@AK]

Chambered for the .38 Special. Hence, it cannot be a Model of 1903, which was a .32 caliber revolver. You have a Model of 1902 from about 1903. It wasn't made any later than that because it still has the small threaded barrel extension. That changed sometime in 1903.

It's a bit rough, but for $300 you hardly went wrong. Should be fun to shoot.

 

[Ameshawki]

Looking at my list I have one in the 32,400 range and the list says Model of 1902. If memory serves relatively few of those were made. 10 to 12 thousand. Don't have the book in front of me.

 

[Dump1567]

Thanks for the info. Sorry for the confusion. I meant an HE made in 1903. I updated my original post.

 

[Göring's S&W]

Nice '4 screw' esp. for the money! Also of note, this model was the first one to have the forward locking lug beneath the barrel which became a S&W standard feature for future revolvers.

If memory serves relatively few of those were made. 10 to 12 thousand.

That is correct, only 12,827 made which actually makes it substantially more rare than the 1902 1st change (28,645 produced) or even a model 1899 (20,975 produced).

The early S&W hand ejectors are an interesting study...

 

[glowe]

I would put the hard rubber back on the gun. Mismatch by about 70 years does not look good.

 

[Dump1567]

I would put the hard rubber back on the gun. Mismatch by about 70 years does not look good.

I was only going to use the wood for shooting purposes. I've got large hands; the Rubber are a little small. After I shoot it, I had plan to return it to stock. Although I may keep the grip adaptor on.

I may also carry it on occasion, depending on how it shoots and what ammo it likes.

 

[handejector]

What version is this?

That would be the 4 inch nickel version.

I was only going to use the wood for shooting purposes. I've got large hands; the Rubber are a little small. After I shoot it, I had plan to return it to stock. Although I may keep the grip adaptor on.

I would NOT use the grip adapter with the rubber grips. Even though the tabs are very thin on the adapter, you don't want to do anything that could warp or crack those old grips.
Also, most people tighten the screw pretty snugly to keep the adapter in place, and too much torque on the old rubber grips can warp them at the escutcheons, or, even worse, pull them through the grip!

 

[Dump1567]

That would be the 4 inch nickel version.





I would NOT use the grip adapter with the rubber grips. Even though the tabs are very thin on the adapter, you don't want to do anything that could warp or crack those old grips.
Also, most people tighten the screw pretty snugly to keep the adapter in place, and too much torque on the old rubber grips can warp them at the escutcheons, or, even worse, pull them through the grip!

Thanks for the info.

 

[spin132]

I may also carry it on occasion, depending on how it shoots and what ammo it likes.

I shoot HSM 138 gr Cowboy loads out of this old 1902. Shoots like a dream!

Mike

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[Dump1567]

I shot this gun this morning. They sure don't make them like they used to. I think I shot this better than the other 3 revolvers I brought out today. Even with a front sight I couldn't see. Smooth action and ejection. Ammo was my 158 gr. LSWC with around 4.3 grains of Unique. I also tried 3 different factory ammo loadings. Everything I shot was mostly to POA/POI.

Here's my 8 yard target. I only shot 5 rounds to start.