1946 Mexican Model .38 Target just sold on Cabela's for $999!

[cgt4570]

#$%*! I missed it! I normally check for new stuff every Monday, but I've been swamped this week. I called to check on it just now and it's on layaway. They didn't have a clue what it was and probably thought they had it priced high as a basic pre-war target. It looks near perfect. I'm not sure if the grips are correct or if they should be pre-war style magnas. Aside from that, it looks like someone got a steal on a hen's tooth.
For those not familiar, features are pre-war style non-ribbed barrel, very unique tall front sight, and late pre-war style micrometer rear sight contoured at the front just like a 1940 K22.
Cabela's -- Gun Details

 

[pred]

Dont forget to tell them you are next in line if person does not come and pick up.
I dont know anything about the gun itself, If it's rare, But I am sure someone will come along and tell us.
I have been second a few times at other shops, and I have been called 30 days later asking if I want it... I said YES both times.
It's worth a try if it is something you really want.
Peter

 

[jeremyws1]

2901 were made per SCSW 3rd

 

[opoefc]

Just another example why you don't want to trust Cabelas with a consignment of any guns, especially if you are ignorant of gun values. That is, unless you happen to consign your gun to the Cabelas where our Forum member, hsguy works. That is the only Cabelas that has made sure their gun library staff knows a rare gun from their rear end. I'm not mad at Cabelas, it's been a great store to pick off high dollar guns for pennies, due to Mr. Dumb and Mr. Dumber behind the counters at most of the Cabelas I've been in.

 

[gizamo]

Post war long action, at the Cabela's here in Scarborough...Maine. Hope some local boy picked it up....

giz

 

[moosedog]

I saw that one too, not sure if it was already spoken for but I wasn't sure what I was looking at. I thought the grips were wrong and the gun was a factory reworked 4th model M&P 38.
My bad.
What do you think it is worth?

 

[cgt4570]

I saw that one too, not sure if it was already spoken for but I wasn't sure what I was looking at. I thought the grips were wrong and the gun was a factory reworked 4th model M&P 38.
My bad.
What do you think it is worth?

It's really hard to say. I've NEVER seen one for sale before (and I look at A TON of guns listings). Mike P. will probably respond and give his thoughts, but I wouldn't be surprised if it went for 3 times the selling price (or more) if listed correctly. I think it's much more scarce (surviving in that condition) than a pre-Model 16 or a 1940 K22 and and we all know what they sell for.

Chris

 

[handejector]

Hello,

I don't think that this gun is a real "Mexican Model" .38 Military & Police Target Model of 1946. I base my feeling on the fact that this gun has the older style ejector rod knob used prior to 1927, and there is no S stamped as part of the serial number on the bottom of the grip frame.

Could be factory reworked, but I would bet that it is not an original "Mexican Model".

Take care,

Steve is right- that is NOT a Mexican.
He is right about the knob.
Having never held one, I'm not positive, but I believe Mexican Models have the rear sight polished to the frame like a K-22/40. Even if they had a grooved sight, look at the tiny forward attaching screw- it is WAY too far forward.
It may be factory work (doubt it), but it's a hack job.

Steve-
How do you know about the S ? I don't see a pic of the serial number. Did you call them?

 

[Hunt200]

Wow you guys amaze me with all of your knowledge!

 

[Speedo2]

The photos from the Cabela's link show the rear sight to be grooved; it appears to be a later, click-micrometer type. I've got a 1905 Target (sn 6283xx); I don't think that mine is a Mexican, but the rear sight is completely contoured with the top strap, and it's got those annoying, super small adjusting screws. FWIW, I too think that the Cabela's gun is the product of a shadetree gunsmith. It appears to be nicely done, but still not kosher. Sometimes God's greatest gifts are His unanswered prayers; perhaps it's good that you missed your regular Monday visit. Anyway, not wanting to miss an opportunity to post another photo and to boost my [for some reason recently anemic] post count, here's mine:

 

[Speedo2]

Thanks, Steve; I did not know that. Were they grooved? -S2

 

[handejector]

Hello Lee,

I just enlarged the photo a lot, and I could only count six digits.

Great eye, Steve. I saw the shadow, and assumed I'd never be able to see the number.
I did the same after you said that- yep, 6 numbers, CENTERED.

TWO MORE POINTS-
After I blew them all up, I could tell the trigger is smooth, like early 20's.
Also- small logo on LEFT is not correct.