Advice on Bekeart Model Heavy Frame Target

[JP@AK]

Guys - need some counsel here.
I have located a .22/32 Hand Ejector that appears to be a genuine Bekeart. It is an early one without the recessed cylinder. Serial number is 202xxx.
The gun grades Very Good. The grips grade Excellent. The only reason the gun grades worse than the grips is that something scratched the blue off at one place on the frame (1/16" wide, 3/8" long - maybe a little less).
All numbers match.
The fellow wants $595.
Buy or pass?
JP

 

[DCWilson]

That serial number puts it around 1913, maybe 1914.

Barrel length is crucial here. The .22/32 Kit Gun, which first appeared in 1936, is the one with the four-inch barrel. It also has the recessed cylinder. Any .22/32 from before then (excluding special orders) is a Heavy Frame Target (or sometimes just .22/32 Hand Ejector) with a six inch barrel. If the gun you are looking at has a shorter barrel, it has been cut or replaced.

Assuming this is a 6" gun, I think the price might be a little high for what you describe. Really good guns have been offered at $700 or so with no takers, so I think a gun with a damaged finish ought to be around $500-525. On the other hand, if the stocks have their own number on the base, then they are early and desirable. That might be enough to pull the whole package back up closer to $600.

Any chance of pictures? Hope this helps.

 

[JP@AK]

Huge help, David. Thank you.
I'm quite certain the barrel is 6". My mistake in referring to it as a "kit gun." Clearly the serial number is too early - and the cylinder is definitely not recessed. The grips are numbered.
I'll call the guy and see how negotiable he might be.
Thanks again.
JP