.38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4” Target

[Dino44]

I am seeking the opinions of those who are knowledgeable of this model. I am visiting my dad in Florida and I spotted this at a local gun store. Front sight is stamped Lyman on the left side. The tubular top of the blade seems to be bored or hollow as if a bead may be missing. The rear adjustable sight has a square notch and has two mount screws. One at the front near the barrel and one at the rear forward of the sight blade. The grip panels are dished top and the right panel has the matching serial number in pencil. Serial # 73981 is in the other normal places. I believe it has been re-blued at some point but the pins and roll marks still look good. Here are some photos. Is this one worth $829 and was it normal for the top strap to be machined out just aft of the forcing cone? Sorry about the images but the lighting in the shop was poor and my phone may have been dirty. Also an estimated ship date would be appreciated. Thanks, Dino.

 

[Dino44]

Here is one more photo.

 

[Goony]

Probably made/shipped in 1906. I'd judge the configuration to be desirable, but the bluing done over the pitting is off-putting.

 

[Model19man]

Goony is right and I would pass at any price. Too rough for me.

 

[Dino44]

Thanks for your comments. I am leaning towards a pass but function checks good, cylinder bores and barrel are blemish free. I also asked if the price was negotiable and they came down to $700. I inquired because of the scarcity of the configuration, and it’s the first one I’ve ever encountered.

 

[Model19man]

Thanks for your comments. I am leaning towards a pass but function checks good, cylinder bores and barrel are blemish free. I also asked if the price was negotiable and they came down to $700. I inquired because of the scarcity of the configuration, and it’s the first one I’ve ever encountered.

There are better ones out there. GI and GB are good to look at as well as individual dealers. Be patient and the gun you want will appear at the right price.

 

[murphydog]

You could try asking for a ship date and seeing if Roy will confirm it is an original 4” Target, but the price seems high as is without knowing it is legit.

 

[4K2022]

Is it worth $829? Maybe
Is it worth $700?
FUNCTION and the condition of the bore (as you describe)
I’m a BUYER @ $700
The last barrel patent date?
Yes a missing insert for the front sight.
Yes a cut in the frame above the cylinder gap. pre ? 23?

I believe if When you see another one (Original) TARGET the price would be TWICE the amount.

Nothing wrong with having a pair!!

 

[glowe]

One question - when have you last seen a pre-WWI 4" Target for sale anywhere and when will you ever see one again?

Make sure the barrel # matches the gun and that the gun has not been converted to a target? Also, check under the left stock for any return dates. A 4" Target in fine condition is worth well over $1000 in my opinion, but the condition has some challenges. I think if it fills a hole in your collection, $700 to $750 is a reasonable offer.

 

[Truckman]

I think if it fills a hole in your collection, $700 to $750 is a reasonable offer.

I have such a hole, and I agree......Ben

 

[younggun22]

Hard to tell from the pictures if that barrel is an original target barrel but I’m leaning towards “no”

Let’s not forget that atrocious re-blue

I would pass on it unless it has a letter or you can confirm the configuration.

 

[Dino44]

I returned today for another look. I believe the 4” barrel is original. Here are some more pictures. I saw no evidence of rework under the stocks.

I have a few more area gun shops to visit, before I decide whether or not to buy. Two other choices are a 34-1 snub and a 66-5 3 1/4”.

 

[bruce5781]

Patent info on side of barrel tells you it is original 4".

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

 

[younggun22]

I take it back, looks like it’s original to me!

 

[Dino44]

I have decided to pass on this one. If I could have walked out the door at $700 it would have been a go. But, because I would have had to pay a 7% sales tax, plus shipping, approximated at $75.00 and a $35.00 transfer fee. I am out. If you’re a Florida resident near Sarasota or just have to have one. I will share its location by PM. The gun looks better in person than it does in photos and it is all original except for the re-blue and pitting underneath.