I read this thread with interest. There are some really nice hard to find shooter grade revolvers here. I thought I might contribute a few. I have shown these before.
First is a delightful .44 Special Triple Lock. With serial number 1103 it shipped out in June 1910. "Hard to find" is one criteria here. A Triple Lock should qualify in its own right, but this one has a 5" barrel! As for "shooter grade," it is perfect. This revolver has been carefully used and loved over its 106 years. Everything is original. Its original blue finish is well-worn, but it remains vivid in protected areas reminding us of its original glory. Mechanically it is perfect inside and out. It shoots very well.
I particularly like the way it handles when wearing the Keith Brown Ropers I put on it.
It would be hard to find a shooter grade .44 Special to top this one. Several years ago I put it on display here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...516-s-w-44-hand-ejector-1st-model-1103-a.html
Several years ago I had the hankering for a .32-20 HE. I already had a collector grade .32-20 HE, but what I wanted was a shooter grade .32-20 HE Target. I don't know whether you have looked, but the .32-20 HE Target is hard to find. And when you find one, it's not that easy to pay for either.
Well I finally found one. It is s/n 44703 and left the S&W factory in December, 1909. Technically, it is a .32-20 HE Mod. of 1905 Target, Second Change. This revolver has a 6-1/2" barrel. You see it here alongside my Winchester 1892 .32-20 that dates to 1902. Quite a couple!
Everything matches on this revolver, including the s/n penciled inside the right grip panel. Here's the match people often ask about when target revolvers are discussed:
This wonderful revolver remains in perfect mechanical condition with a mint bore and chambers. Its original finish is worn in places, so it qualifies as "shooter grade." And shoot it does. Very accurate!
There's a real pleasure in shooter grade revolvers that is just plain lacking among the safe queens.
Curl