.22-.32 Target

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Leslie Sapp

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I'm looking at a .22/.32 target, Ser# 390xxx, with box.
Looks good in some rather poor pictures, but I can't find much in the presolds on Gunbroker for this model. I've asked for better pictures to try to assess the gun better, but in the meantime, what can you guys tell me as to age and price range?

I've wanted one of these for a while, but I know there is quite a price range depending on condition and which model it is, and I don't want it bad enough to pay more than current market price, whatever that might be.
 
These are hard to find boxed. Value depends on condition and originality. The sight tool aka SAT aka "screw driver" for these is the pre war variety, and worth a lot of money by itself. We would need pics to give an accurate price estimate.
 
I may be way off on this but I thought I had seen a S&W model 35 described as a .22/.32 Could that be right?

If not ignore.
 
Prior being renamed the model 35, the model name was a 22/32 TARGET. Basically 22 cal on a 32 size frame. In the pre war years, the 32 frame was I the frame, the K frame was 38 and the N frame was the 44 frame. The 22/32 target had a patridge front sight and a 6in barrel compared to the 22/32 kit gun (model 34 later), which also had an adj rear sight, a 4 in or 2in barrel, and USUALLY a ramp front sight.
 
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This is all I've got to go on right now. Not enough to make a good decision on, in my opinion.
 

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Looks pretty nice actually, but the side profile shot needs more light, and you need more pics of the gun. Also, you should verify if the grips match. The right grip panel would be penciled to the gun.
 
I would guess that you are looking at a nice 22/32 Heavy Frame Target, Bekeart Style revolver. I see smooth flat surfaces in the first picture and the stocks are in very good shape. A Very Good condition HFT would sell for over $500 today without a box and I think this one is a higher condition.

You need to determine if it is a numbers matching gun, what percentage original finish is left, if there has been a re-bluing, condition of the bore before making a guess at value. A high percentage HFT could be worth near $1000 today, so there is a big difference between Excellent and Very Good conditions.
 
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It appears to be pretty high condition, but I can't see enough to tell if it might be a refinish. The condition of the stocks are encouraging, though.
 
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I was going to bid on that one as well...but I'll hold off!
 
The 22/32 target had a patridge front sight and a 6in barrel compared to the 22/32 kit gun (model 34 later), which also had an adj rear sight, a 4 in barrel, and USUALLY a ramp front sight.
Click to expand...

Actually, the early 22/32 HFT's or Bekearts have a Paine front sight.

My understanding is that the two screw grips on the 22/32 were often not marked with the serial number.
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This is also not quite correct. 22/32's that were ordered or shipped with the two screw extension stocks should be numberd to the gun. Initially, the early guns all came with the two screw style of stocks. Then for some reason (and I don't know the exact date or serial range) S&W began shipping them with the regulation police style stocks. Then for some again unknown reason, they went back to shipping them with the two screw stocks.

In addition, the two screw style of target stocks were available during the entire timeframe, so even a gun shipped with the regulation police style was easily upgraded to the two screw style either back then or at any point during its life, even yesterday. Those stocks could also be numbered to a different gun (if take offs) or not numbered at all (if new replacements).

Getting back to the OP's questions, 22/32 HFT prices are all over the board. Like most guns, it depends on condition, condition, condition and what is included. A rat with no box or tools can be had for $200- $300 whereas a NIB example in the box with tools could fetch $2,500. A box marked shipped to Philip Bekeart could fetch $1,000 to the right collector.

So, as you can see, it really depends on conditon and what's included. In addition, if it's an online auction you can also add in how many folks want the gun. A bidding war can add hundreds to a value.

Good luck. :D
 
I was going to bid on that one as well...but I'll hold off!
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Go ahead if you wish, I have some misgivings about this auction. Poor pictures, poor communication, price a little too good.... It has all my warning flags up.
 
James - i was discussing the post war 22/32 target AKA pre 35 not the pre war HFT. The question asked was about the model 35 so I didn't see a need to discuss the front sight types of the much earlier HFTs.
 
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As near as I can tell, this sold for $500 in the auction. More than I was willing to go with the poor pictures.
 
Looks to me like they had a reserve against it and it didn't sell. The last time I looked the bidding was at 500.00.
 
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Leslie - I thought so too, but seems like EVERY item in the auction says it didn't sell....
 
Jim, sorry, I didn't mean to come off as critical just thought that most of the discussion was about the .22/32 HFT's and wanted to make sure that folks weren't confused about the early sights. I always think of the 22/32 HFT as the origin of the model 35 even though the 35 was produced on the improved I frame and then the J frame and the 22/32 HFT's were made on the plain I frame.

Since the auction is over, can someone tell me how it was listed? I usually follow the 22/32 HFT auctions for serial number data and didn't know about that one until it was mentioned here.
 
It took awhile, but I finally got it. With poor descriptions and photos (plus an auction house I had never heard of), you take a chance, but this time it worked out well. The box was rough, as indicated, with most corners broken. Target but, unfortunately, no SAT. The gun, described as "good" turned out to be 95%+, matching including the box.

Bob

 
Ow! That hurts!:o

Just joking- You done good!:) Very nice!

It was just a little too far out of my comfort level....
 
Bob, they say, you pay your money and you take your chances. This one really paid off big. Congratulations.
 
Just another example of how poor presentation by the seller reduces his potential take and creates a gift to the informed or adventurous buyer. Good score, Bob.
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I was thinking the same thing. What is the consensus of the group: If this gun had been presented with a good description and a number of quality photos, what would the final bid likely have been?
 
My guess is $800, certainly more than I would have bid. I have gotten some very good deals on mis-represented guns, such as a Missouri State Patrol 5" model 15 identified as an M&P. I have also passed on many guns with special features that I failed to recognize, only to see them later posted on the board. I try not to think about the ones that I didn't catch as refinished or altered, until I look at my collection and see them staring at me and laughing.

Bob
 
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