Bekeart models and .22/32 HFT's

[JSR III]

Still looking for any information on .22/32 HFT's. Does anyone have one with a stock sequence number greater than 2500? There should be about 500 guns with stock sequence numbers within the 3000 guns reported to have had this modification added. I have zero information in my database on any in that range.

Also still looking for details of any of the 490 M.W. Robinson guns shipped in January, February and March of 1914. Serial numbers between 207,926 and 208,416. A much larger shipment than those that went to Bekeart in 1911 but much less information available about them. Very curious.

 

[hobe0062]

Hi Jim
Am a new member 2958. Bought a 22/32 two weeks ago. Stock #692, Serial #139006. RC Scholz

 

[27 Man]

James--here are the specs on my 22/32 HFT, sn 423988
Non-recessed cylinder
Two screw walnut extension stocks with sn penciled in right grip
No grip medallions
"Made in USA" on right side of frame
Small S&W logo on left side of frame
Patridge front sight
Square notch rear sight
Last patent date on barrel is 9/14/08
Shipped from factory 3/26, to whom is unknown
Condition is fair with little finish left on frame but more on barrel and cylinder. No rust.
Large ejector knob (two clearance cuts in barrel)
Hope this helps.
Steve Nida, #1629

 

[JDW250]

Hobe,

I'm the guy you outbid for your #692. I'm still kicking myself for letting that fine specimen get away. I'm glad it ended up in the hands of another Smith fan.

If you ever want to get rid of that 22/32, look me up. Heck, if you just want to take her out to shoot her, look me up.

Enjoy!

 

[kennicka]

I have a HFT serial number 391715. I took the stocks off and both sides are marked as the attached picture. Was wondering if that could be original to the gun or not? Thanks. I will post a picture once I pick it up. Also, any info on date of manufacture?

 

[Wyo]

Here's the info on mine. This one belonged to my Granddad:
#441722
Non-recessed cylinder
Large ejector knob
2 screw extended stock, no medallions, with S/N penciled inside
Patridge front sight
Small logo on left side
No information on shipping date or destination but I would suppose '20's sometime

 

[Hondo44]

I have a HFT serial number 391715. I took the stocks off and both sides are marked as the attached picture. Was wondering if that could be original to the gun or not? Thanks. I will post a picture once I pick it up. Also, any info on date of manufacture?

The only factory mark, and on the right side only, would be a penciled serial # after 1900 until 1929, then stamped #s until no longer #'d after the late 1970's.

I read the upper marking as a date, 11-25-24. This could be the date the gun was purchased since guns in that serial range were shipped in the 3rd quarter of 1924. And 2 screw stocks w/o medallions are correct for after 1923 on the 22/32 HFTs. So the grips appear to be original. But I'd like to see the right grip numbering.

The lower mark, besides being on the wrong side stock, although it looks like the serial #, it's not the factory penciling location.

 

[JSR III]

Here's the info on mine. This one belonged to my Granddad:
#441722
Non-recessed cylinder
Large ejector knob
2 screw extended stock, no medallions, with S/N penciled inside
Patridge front sight
Small logo on left side
No information on shipping date or destination but I would suppose '20's sometime

Sorry guys I haven't gotten back here recently to answer any questions. I don't have any specifics on 441,722 however, 441,587 shipped 8-12-1927 and 441,727 shipped 9-28-1926.

As you can see, as Roy always reminds us, S&W did not ship in any serial number order and guesstimates are merely that. Without asking Roy for the shipping date or asking for a letter, I would say that late 20's is about as close as we can get.

Anyone else have any 22/32 HFT's that I can add to the database? Photos of both sides are great but otherwise the details listed above plus condition and last patent date on barrel will allow me to add it to the database with most of what I need.

Thanks all. The list and my collection grows.

 

[huthike]

A recent addition to my collection:

225072

Medallion extended grips

No S & W logo

22 lr ctg on left barrel, nothing on right barrel

Last patent date 9/14/09

Large rod knob

No writing in grips

Sorry don't know types of front sights

No shipping date


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[huthike]

Also non recessed

Maybe a Paine front sight?

Shooter grade


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Willeys]

My 22/33 SN is 361090 however I have no shipping information. The SN matches in three locations, under barrel flat, cylinder and front of grip. There is an assembly number 4573 in two places under crane and yoke. The grips look custom or aftermarket not S&W. I don't know the name for the front sight but I attach a photo of it. The rear sight base has two screwed. This is a 5 screw frame.
Sorry I don't know how to post photos from my iPhone photos. The front site is not a partridge but has a slight slop front and back of the front sight and round on top (not modified). Condition is excellent (about 90% original bluing). Small logo on left.

 

[Hondo44]

My 22/33 SN is 361090 however I have no shipping information. The SN matches in three locations, under barrel flat, cylinder and front of grip. There is an assembly number 4573 in two places under crane and yoke. The grips look custom or aftermarket not S&W. I don't know the name for the front sight but I attach a photo of it. The rear sight base has two screwed.

Likely shipped in the 1st quarter of 1923. Sounds like the standard factory Paine bead front sight until replaced by the Patridge in Aug.29, 1923 change order.

The rear sight is considered a single screw (front of sight tang attachment screw is not counted), only the vertical adjustment screw(s) are counted because those are the screws affected by the change (to two screws on K and N frame sights ~ 1935).

Your vintage has 9 serial # locations before WW II:
NOTE: Observing serial #s for accuracy or even existence, especially on penciled stocks, requires magnification, bright light, and an attitude that it is there!

1. Gun butt - or forestrap on I frames/single shots with grips that cover the butt

2. Barrel - bottom of barrel or in extractor shroud

3. Yoke - on rear face only visible thru a chamber with a flashlight

4. Extractor star - backside

5. Cylinder - rear face

6. Right stock only - on back; stamped, scratched or penciled depending on vintage and stock material. (except most target grips because individual fitting not required.)

7. Rear sight, bottom side

8. Rear sight blade (hidden)

9. Front sight blade (hidden)


Assembly (factory work) #s: These multi-digit numbers of 3 to 5 digits, are on the yoke at the hinge, in the 'yoke cut' on frame opposite the yoke near the hinge, and inside of the sideplate, for the pre war and early post war period. The assembly # in the yoke cut of the frame was relocated to the left side of grip frame after model #s were assigned and the serial # was added in the 'yoke cut' where the assembly #, now moved to the left side of the grip frame, used to be. You know they are assembly (factory work) #s because of those 3 locations that always match on guns that are original, and that's the only usefulness for them after guns leave the factory: still used to this day, long after serial number locations decreased.

 

[vipermd]

JSR III Info
1. Hand Ejector
2.SN# 361055- On the front of grip & face of cylinder. No model # on crane
3. 22 LR
4. 6 1/16" Bbl length
5. Hand Ejector Pre-war Adjustable rear sight, front sight is a marble 35-A Bead.
6. Strain Screw on front of grip strap.
7. 5 -Screw
I purchased this about 2 years ago, it will not cock DA, firing pin and housing are missing, as is the grip screw. I would like to repair/ have it repaired so I could use it. I have looked in Blue Book, SCSW # 2, and seem to be a bit more confused. Any assistance in identifying model, missing parts, when it was made, and approximate value so as to assess how much money I should invest to make it functional. Thank You.

 

[JSR III]

vipermd, what you have is a .22/.32 Heavy Frame Target with regulation police style stocks without medallions. Shipping dates based on serial number are only WAG's but most of the guns around yours shipped in late spring of 1922. The ones in my DB are from April and June of 1922.

The stock screw should not be too hard to find but without seeing the gun in hand it is hard to tell what is causing the cocking issues. It could need parts or it could be as simple as a good cleaning of the internals. Sometimes 100 year old grease hardens like glue and needs a serious cleaning and re lubing to function properly.

I would suggest that you remove the stocks with an appropriate sized screwdriver and then squirt some brake clean or similar product into the guts through the hammer slot. You can also remove the side plate to get a good look at the internals but only attempt this if you are comfortable removing the screws and side plate without damaging them. Any screw damage or side plate pry marks will destroy any collector value. If you decide to go that route, please feel free to PM or email me and I will walk you through it.

Otherwise, try the brake clean followed by some gentle compressed air. A compressor works or even a can of air used for cleaning computers will usually blow out any melted gunk. Some folks will soak the gun in a tub of their favorite grease melting liquid for a week or so and then blow it out.

Make sure you don't do this in the kitchen if you are married or you may not stay that way. Don't bother to ask.

 

[JSR III]

Willeys, PM or email me and I will try to walk you through photo posting. Guns around yours in my database shipped around June of 1922.

 

[JSR III]

Any more guys? Keep them coming.

 

[0007]

Mine is S/N 517383(frame and cylinder), non-recessed cylinder, silver medallions in grips, medium ejector, Patridge 1/8 front sight, made in U.S.A. stamped, bluing has gone to soft black, can't post pictures, but overall condition is very good +. Probably going to be selling it in the near future.

 

[Hondo44]

JSR III Info
1. Hand Ejector
2.SN# 361055- On the front of grip & face of cylinder. No model # on crane
3. 22 LR
4. 6 1/16" Bbl length
5. Hand Ejector Pre-war Adjustable rear sight, front sight is a marble 35-A Bead.
6. Strain Screw on front of grip strap.
7. 5 -Screw
I purchased this about 2 years ago, it will not cock DA, firing pin and housing are missing, as is the grip screw. I would like to repair/ have it repaired so I could use it. I have looked in Blue Book, SCSW # 2, and seem to be a bit more confused. Any assistance in identifying model, missing parts, when it was made, and approximate value so as to assess how much money I should invest to make it functional. Thank You.

First thing I'd do if the cleaning James recommended doesn't fix the double action, is to remove the side plate. Pull the trigger and observe the action to determine why the trigger is not cocking the hammer.

Also make sure the spring tension screw on the fore strap of the grip frame is screwed all the way in.

Your vintage HFT is not hard to find parts for since it shared parts with other I frames. But the firing pin, spring, and bushing/retaining pin is unique to the rimfire guns.

The good news is, the firing pin, spring, and firing pin bushing/retaining pin are the same as used on my 1991 .22 and likely right up to current guns.

Try these, about $24 total:
Brownells part #s
FP #216310000
Bushing #215020000
Retaining pin #218140000
Spring #043460000

 

[JSR III]

0007, I am assuming that your gun has a small S&W logo on the left side? The few other guns that I have recorded in the 517,XXX range shipped in either 5,6,8 or 9 of 1930. Again no guarantees but very likely.

 

[Dr Charlie]

Here's mine.
serial number 229900 on cylinder, barrel and grip frame.
wooden grips no serial number
gold medallions
no numbers on bottom of grips
cylinder not recessed
square blade rear sight
front sight high flat on top, no bead
large knob two step recess in barrel
no box
barrel marked 22 long rifle CTG
not lettered
S&W logo on right side
well worn blue finish.
Any comments appreciated.
regards Charlie