.32 Heavy Frame .22 Target Revolver

[gunbarrel]

I do not have one of these in my collection, but as a former NRA bullseye shooter, I always thought they were pretty neat. I have an opportunity to trade for one. The revolver's serial number is 441645, and from reading some of the subject posts here on the Forum, it would appear that it was shipped in 1926, or thereabouts. My photographic skills are terrible, but IMHO, it is in excellent condition--say, ~90-95%, with no box.

Since I don't know much about these revolvers, I was wondering if someone knowledgeable on these "Bekearts" here in the Forum can give me a rough idea of how much it's worth. Thanks in advance!

 

[gunbarrel]

Photos 6-10

 

[gunbarrel]

Photos 11-15

 

[gunbarrel]

Photos 16-20

 

[gunbarrel]

Last two photos.

 

[Muley Gil]

Very nice.

It's a shame that somebody, in the past, decided to use a wood chisel to tighten up the cylinder release screw.

 

[murphydog]

I would guess $700-750 for a value. A new "thumbpiece nut" should not be difficult to find.

 

[cmansguns]

"value" always subjective, nice HFT depends on trade item too

Of course it is not a Bekeart by any stretch (1926 too late, no digits on grips), but nice gun anyway. Mine is probably 99% and has the original box (faintly numbered to the gun) along with a rice paper wrapped cleaning rod and a couple paper documents seldom seen. Per factory Letter, mine (s/n 224963) shipped September 20, 1915 to Shapleigh Hardware, St. Louis Missouri. I have it valued at $3,000 for insurance purposes, but I also assume that value may not hold up for actually selling the gun as I have not seen any equal museum quality pieces with original box/docs come up for sale.

The ones I do see for sale are in the $1,200 to $1,600 range on big box auction site but a lot do not sell so I don't really know.

My gun does not have "made in USA" on right side of frame, yours does so later than 1915 but I don't know exactly when they started with that stamping on this model.

For your trade deal, what are you trading? Equal condition? (90-95%)? For example if you have a Model 29-2 no box 6" then maybe an equal trade, but if you've got a plain jane Model 10-5 then obviously some cash along with it.

Either way you look at it the one fact remains....They do NOT make them anymore so when will you possibly see the next one of these in acceptable condition???

Please let us know how you make out on this deal.

 

[Green Frog]

I’ve had two HFTs over the years, one with a bulged barrel for which I lucked into a NOS factory barrel as a replacement, and a second with a bit more blue wear than yours. I enjoyed owning and shooting them both, but having shot bullseye when younger, I really couldn’t justify them as shooting “members” of my collection, so I sold/traded both in favor of a K22. They are cute little guns, but in the end were my least favorite I frames. You may have different feelings for your HFT and really enjoy it.
Froggie

 

[larryofcc]

A friend gave this one to me. No box, no tool's, just free. Big Larry