44 Hand Ejector TARGET

[4BODIDDLEY]

I ran across this the other day and I’m not sure what to do with it. My exposure to older Smiths is limited. By the serial number, 402XX, I believe it to be a 1932 44 Hand Ejector target, second model. All serial numbers match: the butt, under barrel, cylinder, yoke, and the awesome silver emblem grips. The book indicates the targets are scarce and have a 2-3 times premium value!
Anyone have an idea of how many targets were produced? Because the Catalog is several years old, what might the value be these days? Should I get a letter? Keep it or let it go?? I dunno!

Thanks to those with lots more knowledge for educating me. If you want more info let me know and I’ll try.

 

[Truckman]

That one really needs a letter...And I can also provide a comfortable forever home for it if the need arises......Ben

 

[murphydog]

It's a beautiful gun. With the Great Depression it might have shipped later than its estimated production date.

The usual estimate is roughly 10% of guns that had a cataloged Target option (.38 M & P, .44 HE) were built, but as far as I know the data to back that up don't exist.

I would guess its value at about $3K but others here have probably sold one, or seen one sell recently.

 

[Mbrgr1]

Ran Across?

I'd like to trip over one of those!


P.S. My house is warmer than Truckman's!

 

[rct269]

My .44 H.E. 2nd Target, #58669, shipped May 14, 1940, essentially as new in box, sold within the last 3+ years for $5,300.

It was, interestingly enough, 1 of 39 identical units sold at what had to be a close-out price of $17 each. Given the cost to produce a Registered Magnum was $17, it figures these cost maybe $16; so this wasn't a big money making deal for the folks in Springfield.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[SS336]

Letter it, Keep it, and tuck it under your pillow at night.
Ben and Mark will be peeking in your bedroom window tonight.

 

[StrawHat]

Good thing that is a 44 S&W Special or I would remind you I intend to outlive those other two guys!

Kevin

 

[larryofcc]

According to Dr. Jinks, there were about 2,000 44 2nd model targets made.
Pretty scarce. Big Larry

 

[Truckman]

Letter it, Keep it, and tuck it under your pillow at night.
Ben and Mark will be peeking in your bedroom window tonight.

He has to sleep sometime...And I'll be waiting......Ben

 

[Mbrgr1]

He has to sleep sometime...And I'll be waiting......Ben

I'll be nearby, if you......., need help......

 

[Muley Gil]

According to Dr. Jinks, there were about 2,000 44 2nd model targets made.
Pretty scarce. Big Larry

How many were 5"?

 

[larryofcc]

Only the Shadow knows Jarhead. Semper Fi Marine. Big Larry USMCR 60-68.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

Get a letter ? Yes no question.
Keep it or let it go ? I don't even understand that question. Are you sitting on another one we don't know about ? That would be the only reason I might consider selling it if I had it .

 

[TheTinMan]

Get a letter ? Yes no question.
Keep it or let it go ? I don't even understand that question. Are you sitting on another one we don't know about ? That would be the only reason I might consider selling it if I had it .

Don’t letter it … waste of money. Just sell it to ME!

 

[RKmesa]

I ran across this the other day and I’m not sure what to do with it. ...Because the Catalog is several years old, what might the value be these days? Should I get a letter? Keep it or let it go?? I dunno!

I am not a 44 guy, but that is a beautiful revolver. I do think a letter is in order and were it mine, I can see no scenario where I would be contemplating it being anywhere but in my safe or on display in my home.

As for more info, would love to hear the story of how it found its way to you and if you happen to know any of the history of the gun.

Congrats and thanks for sharing,

 

[4BODIDDLEY]

Thanks for everyone's input. I left the forum yesterday to escape into College Football Saturday. A couch potato in front of the tube for sure.
Now I need to decide what to do with this 44.

Thanks Richard.
A friend of a friend, whose father is elderly and has guns, is relocating a number of his treasures. I was able to not only pick up this 44, but several other pieces. This is the only old 44 but also got a 38/44 Outdoorsman from 1933! I went deep into the pockets but figured if I didn't, someone else would. I have no history on any but he sure did like S&W. This is one of those rare stories you hear about happening to other people that I was able to participate in. I got lucky.

 

[4BODIDDLEY]

BTW---- I did not negotiate, or steal(?) any of what I purchased. He had every one priced and that's what I paid. I do feel I got good deals however. Not very common at all to run across the diversity in his collection-- and the vast majority were Smiths!

 

[Retired W4]

What a beautiful example. I sit here, shake my head and ask, why not me.

Can't wait to see more from the stash.

 

[S&W ucla]

How many were 5"?

I know of one that a fellow member purchased. It lettered correctly and he got an offer he couldn't resist. Any pre-war target gets my attention and the OP's is a really nice one!