.22-.32 Target

[Leslie Sapp]

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.

 

[TANZER]

22/32

My best guess would be 1925.

 

[Göring's S&W]

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.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

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.

 

[Göring's S&W]

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.

 

[Leslie Sapp]

This is all I've got to go on right now. Not enough to make a good decision on, in my opinion.

 

[Göring's S&W]

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.

 

[glowe]

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.

 

[Leslie Sapp]

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.

 

[dinghysailer]

My understanding is that the two screw grips on the 22/32 were often not marked with the serial number.

 

[jmace57]

I was going to bid on that one as well...but I'll hold off!

 

[JSR III]

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.

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.

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.

 

[H Richard]

Mine was Pencil marked on the right grip panel. I'm guessing this one to be from the early to mid 20's.

 

[Leslie Sapp]

I was going to bid on that one as well...but I'll hold off!

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.

 

[Göring's S&W]

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.

 

[jmace57]

As near as I can tell, this sold for $500 in the auction. More than I was willing to go with the poor pictures.

 

[Leslie Sapp]

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.

 

[JPriest]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/318922-new-me-22-32-target.html

I just got one last year. No box with mine though. I paid $375 up here in Canada, which I was told on this forum was a steal. Mine has some bluing wear on the barrel, but the frame is a deep almost mirror like blue.

 

[jmace57]

Leslie - I thought so too, but seems like EVERY item in the auction says it didn't sell....

 

[red9]

I was the winning bidder. I'll let you know next week if I stole it (not the first time) or got burned (not the first time).

Bob