BATFE Classification of NM#3 32-44 Target

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,


I was looking at a New Model #3 Target 32-44 and the auction
house lists this as a C&R. I was under the impression that ALL
NM#3's were considered Antique and when I pointed this out,
they responded:

"Correct, all New Model No. 3 revolvers are antique, with the
exception of these designated target guns which are not listed
under that provision. They fall in their own serial number range
and are not all automatically exempted like the rest of the
production run - Thank you."

Is that true?


Cheers!
Webb

 

[rct269]

Good question!!

I, like you, considered them as a NM #3. That said, I don't know on the one hand, and on the other hand (with one noteworthy exception) I'm hard pressed to put a whole lot of faith in statements from an auction house---RIA excepted.

Ralph Tremaine

And I just thought of something else! I had a NM #3 Target (lettered as such) which was most assuredly made and shipped in 1902 (as a special order for a single unit), and I purchased it as I would any other "antique".

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Good question!!

I, like you, considered them as a NM #3. That said, I don't know on the one hand, and on the other hand (with one noteworthy exception) I'm hard pressed to put a whole lot of faith in statements from an auction house---RIA excepted.

Ralph Tremaine

Funny you should say that...


Cheers!
Webb

 

[iby]

ALL frames made prior to 1899
Hooey

 

[rct269]

It is my understanding (as opposed to certain knowledge) that the "agreement" reached by ATF and S&W as respects the classification of NM #3's as antiques is just that----an agreement---as opposed to documented fact-----more in the nature of an accommodation by the feds---for whatever reason(s).

Ralph Tremaine

 

[mmaher94087]

Webb, they are wrong. The letter from S&W to the Treasury Department, Mr. Paul H. Westenberger, dated August 7, 1972, specifically states that the frames for the "No. 3 New Model, Target Series...ALL" were "MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1899". The letter is in response to a request for the Model and serial numbers which would be classified as antique.

The response received by S&W, August 30, 1972, from the BATF, John J Caulfied, acting Assistant Director (Criminal Enforcement) accepted the letter from S&W listing the Model and serial numbers of the antiques.

 

[mmaher94087]

Sections 921(a)(3), 921(a)(16) and 921(a)(16)(B) of Title I of the Gun Control Act of 1968 are the relevant parts. Also, the "...ammunition is not presently manufactured in the United States and is not readily available through ordinary channels of commerce."

 

[Model19man]

Sections 921(a)(3), 921(a)(16) and 921(a)(16)(B) of Title I of the Gun Control Act of 1968 are the relevant parts. Also, the "...ammunition is not presently manufactured in the United States and is not readily available through ordinary channels of commerce."

That section of the law is key to the weapon being classified as an antique. Good luck finding brass!

 

[mmaher94087]

In this case, I respectfully disagree that the caliber is the KEY to the revolver being classified as an antique. The S&W Target revolver is specifically named as an antique in the letter accepted by the BATF in 1972. The caliber is a moot point. Other makes and models with obsolete calibers are another story. Anyone have ammo for a .40-80 Winchester?

 

[Jim Watson]

Never heard of a .40-80, a friend had a .40-82.