32 Target Model

[47knuckle]

I bought this "32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903, 5th change, Target" at our Southeast Bunch meeting last weekend. Bright turn line and blue is starting to flake on the barrel, but otherwise nice condition. This one shipped in 1913.

Today, we can certainly see what Phil Bekeart and Smith and Wesson were looking at as a model when they agreed to manufacture/distribute the 22/32 Heavy Frame Target.

Note the target hammer and wider front sight on the 22, otherwise the 22 and 32 are pretty much duplicates. (The 22/32 is several years newer, so I assume this is why the ejector rod knob style changed).

 

[S&W ucla]

Very Nice!! I missed that one, lol. Now we need a range report!
It was good to see everyone.

 

[Muley Gil]

I do believe that target hammer is after market, not factory.

 

[Hondo44]

BEAUTIFUL PAIR!

Yes as Muley Gil observed, definitely a custom hammer spur and professionally done.

The 22/32 HFT is from between 1927 when the mushroom knob was replaced with the barrel knob, and 1930 when flat silver medallions were introduced in the stocks.

The wide Patridge front sight and larger sq notch in the rear blade replaced the earlier .22/32 & .32 "Chevalier" Ira Paine bead front blade and tiny U notch rear Target sights by change order dated Aug. 29, 1923.

 

[DCWilson]

That's a great catch. I track these things, and if I haven't captured the serial number before, that is only the 48th .32 Target to turn up from the two decades of First and Second Model HE Target Production. Possibly no more than 800 were made, but that's just a WAG based on the number that have been seen. I'd love to find out that more were made, because then more collectors would have a chance at owning one.

Please look for a PM.

EDITED TO ADD: The front blade on the .32 is known as the thin round-top blade, if I remember correctly. The Patridge blade on your .22/32 was introduced as the preferred front sight for all target models in 1923.

 

[Tom K]

Here's mine, that I posted about back in 2012: Tulsa Nov 2012 - .32 Target *pics added, post #17