Front Sight Question--Is this a Patridge w/a Call Bead?

[VonFatman]

I'm getting ready to send off for a letter on my Outdoorsman. The front blade has a gold/silver bead, but to me, it does not appear hemispheric like a McGivern.

Can someone confirm what sits on the end of this gun so I can properly describe it in my letter to Mr. Jinks.

Thanks.

Bob

 

[VonFatman]

I'm getting ready to send off for a letter on my Outdoorsman. The front blade has a gold/silver bead, but to me, it does not appear hemispheric like a McGivern.

Can someone confirm what sits on the end of this gun so I can properly describe it in my letter to Mr. Jinks.

Thanks.

Bob

 

[digi-shots]

I don't know... but maybe you could include a photo with your letter?

By the way, great close-up pics!

 

[VonFatman]

I may need to. Thanks. It's an older camera, but it's always been good up close.

Bob

 

[smith17]

VFM:
I believe that it is a patridge with a Call Brilliant bead.
Ed

 

[VonFatman]

Thank you Ed! That's what I was trying to determine. I appreciate your help.

Merry Christmas.

Bob

 

[Alk8944]

It's a Call bead that has been filed flat. Not uncommon when a gun was used for bullseye competition many years ago. When it is smoked you can't tell it from a standard Patridge. Have one looks just like it. Can't really tell from the picture what color it was. If Gold it is standard, If white it was a Brilliant.

The Call bead should stand above the face of the sight and have a slight crown to it, unlike the McGivern that is hemi-spherical.

 

[smith17]

Not to be argumentive but I have several guns with these front sights and none of the beads stand above the face. The 8 page brochure from the 30s introducing the .357 Magnum has a page devoted to sight options and states that the Call is an adaption of the Patridge and has the "disc set into the rear surface of a Patridge sight flush with the face...". However, the picture of the Call does appear to have the bead somewhat protruding.
Respectfully submitted,
Ed

 

[deadin]

If Gold it is standard, If white it was a Brilliant.

Actually, the Gold Call bead was standard for only about the first year of production. The Silver or Brilliant Call showed up in late 1931 or early 1932 and was pretty much standard for the remaining 8-9 years of production. (At least this is true for the K-22)

added: Like Ed, all of my Call Beads are pretty much flat.

 

[VonFatman]

Great information gentlemen. Thank you!

The bead is flush. The photo is deceiving.

The gun was manufactured in 1938 (or there-about according to S&W Customer Service)

So...based on this wonderful dialog...

I'll categorize the front sight as a:

Patridge w/Brilliant Call Bead

Thanks so much all of you...I always appreciate the many subjects discussed here.

Merry Christmas.

Bob

 

[mikepriwer]

Bob

The correct nomenclature is a Call Silver Bead front sight. Alternatively,
you could say Call Brilliant Bead, but silver implies the correct color.

Actually, all you really have to say is Call Bead. Unless it was something
special, the records will only say Call Bead, if they say anything at all.
The records will be interpreted in the context of what was standard for that
period of time, and what was standard was the silver Call Bead.

It would be incorrect to say Patridge & Call together. It was not known
that way.

For the general information of anyone interested in Call Bead front sights,
it was invented by Charlie Call. He went to work for the factory in 1882, and
on his 25th anniversary with S&W in 1907, he was presented with an engraved
target revolver in early 1907. He went on to work another 39 years for S&W,
until 1946, making a total of 64 years with the company.

There is a display right now at one of the factory facilities in Springfield,
and this presentation gun is part of that display. Here are some pictures of
the display, and the presentation gun:

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[VonFatman]

Mike,
As usual, you are a wealth of information. Thank you very much. I appreciate you making time to reply.

Merry Christmas.

Bob