44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model Target (OCD Pics)

[Kingspoke]

Here's a 2nd model target I recently bought at auction. The chambers & bore were quite dirty, so I did a light cleaning & disassembly. Action is good after cleaning & adjusting (lol) main spring. Bore is actually bright & chambers will require a little more after shooting.

All numbers match (did not check under sight blade, yet).
Questions;

1) It has the Eagles head S2 Military (only) stamp. Is it a 1917 Military or commercial frame?

2) The front sight blade, I've seen two different variations(?).

3) I seem to remember that style of numbering on right grip panel, as well as in pencil. How's it look?

Don't get nauseated from all the pictures, as I'm working thru my OCD!






































(Note: Couldn't get that crane serial, this time!)

 

[handejector]

Nice gun.
1- Yes, it is built on a leftover 1917 frame. Most early 2nd models are. That is why the early ones almost always have a swivel.
2- Any sight blade within reason could be ordered.
3- Grip number is righteous.

 

[Heinz]

Nice revolver, Very nice photos
Thanks for posting

 

[Muley Gil]

As Lee said, it is built on a 1917 frame.

Judging by the "MADE IN THE U.S.A." stamp and the fact that the first 3rd Model was shipped in 1927, I would guess shipping was 1925 or later. It is kinda hard to pick target model ship dates.

 

[Kingspoke]

Nice gun.
1- Yes, it is built on a leftover 1917 frame. Most early 2nd models are. That is why the early ones almost always have a swivel.
2- Any sight blade within reason could be ordered.
3- Grip number is righteous.

Thank you, on that in particular. I have penciled serial number on my other 2nd model (This is my first target). Cheers to orginal grips on this mature filly!

 

[rct269]

The front sight is the Paine Black Bead (Ira Paine design). It was the standard front on hand ejector targets from 1896 to 1905, and could be had on order right up until 1942. It'd been around for a loooooooooong time (standard on top break targets from the beginning (1878) to 1905).

Ralph Tremaine

As an aside, it was Ira Paine who pretty much put S&W on the map for accuracy by way of his collaboration with S&W on the design of the 38-44 NM #3 Target (specifically the cartridge design which made for a throat length of ZERO(!!) ).

As another aside, given your OCD for matching serial numbers, the front sight will also be numbered to the gun---if it was born that way. Pop it off, and have a look-----------but pop it off with the right tool-----a cup tip punch (Brownells can fix you right up.) You'll want the .040" size-----a short one.

 

[Kingspoke]

Thank you, S&W forum experts!

Some exceptionally great insight from you guys! Greatly appreciate the detail, history, & affirmation. I am forever learning & appreciating the expertise on this site! Thank you!

 

[T44spl]

That's one righteous 2nd model 44 special. At one time they were the most under appreciated of the 44 special line up. Maybe due to the lack of ejector shroud, Who knows? I could never understand why the lack of or limited collector interest in them. But they've come full circle as has the plain jane model 28.
Yours is a fine example, Thanks for sharing with us.

 

[rct269]

That's one righteous 2nd model 44 special. At one time they were the most under appreciated of the 44 special line up. Maybe due to the lack of ejector shroud, Who knows? I could never understand why the lack of or limited collector interest in them. But they've come full circle as has the plain jane model 28.
Yours is a fine example, Thanks for sharing with us.

I reckon the under appreciation arose from the fact the 2nd replaced the 1st-----never mind it was the fault of the great unwashed S&W deemed it necessary.

The 1st sold for $21. $21 was deemed unsatisfactory by the aforementioned great unwashed-----and S&W was hurtin' enough to do something about it. I forget just how many of the 1st's they'd sold in whatever period of time, but it wasn't enough to suit them.

So---off with the 3rd lock---and off with the ejector rod shroud---and on with the price of $19------which was apparently satisfactory to the great unwashed, because the 2nd managed to stay in production until 1937-----a relatively looooooooong time from the later teens. I reckon the price went up right along with the price of everything else along the way, but that didn't seem to be any sort of a deterrent----proving once again the great unwashed are a fickle lot----then and now.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Muley Gil]

When I was looking for a .44 Special, the only ones I could find were refinished 6 1/2" nickel 2nd models. Of course, I wanted a 5" or 4" 3rd model or a 1950 Target. So, I wound up building a .44 using a M27 as the base. I didn't get a 3rd model (a 5" nickel) until 2006 and then found a 2nd model (5" blue) here on the Forum around 2007. Later in 2007, I bought a 5" Parkerized Triple Lock.