I recently acquired a 22/32 heavy frame target, serial 361xxx. It has the 32 regulation police style walnut grips with no medallion. They are pencil numbered inside matching the gun. The right side of the frame is NOT stamped 'Made in USA'. I understand that S&W didn't use medallions during the 20's and started stamping 'Made in USA' in late 1922. Would I be correct in placing the date of manufacture to somewhere around 1921-1922. Can anyone be more precise? There is very little information on this model in the SCOSW. Also, can anyone provide any information as to what years the regulation police style grip was used as opposed to the Bekeart style target grip.
22/32 Heavy Target DOB question
- Thread starter rec0546
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You are correct that your gun dates to about 1921; you would probably have to letter it to get the date narrowed down more closely. I have 364316, which shipped in October 1921. The Regulation Police stocks were introduced with the Regulation Police model in 1917. They should have a patent date on the bottom of one panel -- Nov. 5, 1917.
I had it in mind that the "Made in U.S.A." stamp first appeared in 1924, but our understanding is in rough agreement.
While the two-screw extension stocks were standard for the .22/32 HFT, it seems to have been the case that the other I-frame stock options were available on special order. When the .22/32 Kit Gun was introduced in 1936, it could be had with standard round butt stocks, RP stocks, or extension stocks.
Can you post pictures of your .22/32?
I had it in mind that the "Made in U.S.A." stamp first appeared in 1924, but our understanding is in rough agreement.
While the two-screw extension stocks were standard for the .22/32 HFT, it seems to have been the case that the other I-frame stock options were available on special order. When the .22/32 Kit Gun was introduced in 1936, it could be had with standard round butt stocks, RP stocks, or extension stocks.
Can you post pictures of your .22/32?
I need to learn to take better pictures, the gun looks better than this. It was supposedly unfired and appears to be. However, won't be for long (standard velocity only, I know). It does have the 1917 date on the bottom of the grip. These grips fits so precisely, I almost couldn't get them off. There is absolutely no gap between the wood and metal...all the way around. They look like one piece almost.
Here's the other side. Dave..thanks for information and help in dating this gun. Are you then saying that this style of grip would have been special order after 1917, or would the target grips have been special order after 1917?
was that 22 taken care of or what.very nice
That's one of the best-looking HFTs I've ever seen. Congratulations. Sheard bead front sight, too. I like those. Nice!
Sorry if I wasn't clear. It's my understanding that the extension stocks are standard for the .22/32 target models with the six inch barrels throughout the model's production run, and that the RP stocks were optional after they became available in 1917.
Sorry if I wasn't clear. It's my understanding that the extension stocks are standard for the .22/32 target models with the six inch barrels throughout the model's production run, and that the RP stocks were optional after they became available in 1917.
Your pics do that gun justice, rec. I had a chance to examine that piece last weekend and can vouch for your photo skills. The patent dates are stamped on the bottom of the stocks IIR. I too was confused about the stocks but once again Dave has kindly shared his wonderful knowledge of S&W with us. Thank you for sharing pics of a truly unique find and thank you Dave for shedding light on the mystery of the stocks!
John
John
