Help needed to identify this revolver please

[rct269]

Hi guys,

While I was searching for nice walnut grips, I was surprised to find this gun with a front sight looking like mine (But I think it was re barreled since the serial number seem to be over other numbers) and the same hole in the trigger guard

S&W Smith 1905 3rd Change M&P Target Model 38 - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 797052195

Yes, the front sight looks like yours, but is forged as part of the barrel (not pinned in place). I'm quite certain this barrel is from a fixed sight gun.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[tenntex32]

LS,

With regards to the revolver you found on Gunbroker,

If you look closely at the serial number on the butt you will see a star, denoting it was sent back to S&W for rework/refinish, etc..

Most likely the original target barrel was replaced with a new barrel having the non-target style factory front sight. That looks to be a factory front sight (non-target variety.)

The hole in the triggerguard just looks too crudely done to be a S&W addition. I doubt S&W would have installed that triggerstop but I tend to "never say never" with S&W. Maybe a more astute member may know if the triggerstop could possibly have been a paid-for addition by S&W?

I do know that triggerstops on target revolvers tend to be a somewhat common enough want by target shooters to have them installed by themselves, gunsmiths, etc..

Dale

 

[jebstuart]

I think it's possible that the front sight is factory installed. I have a near mint & almost certainly unfired "half target", 3rd change, shipped 1911 (I believe). The front sight & base, is perfectly milled with a professionaly proud and rounded pin installed (both ends) like Lady Smith's. My rear sight channel has been widened for the front sight. There is no sign or any reblue - the very highly polished factory finish is consistent everywhere on the revolver and no re-work markings. It appears that the original purchaser ordered the work done from the factory and never used it. I think it's one of those "never say never" S&W oddities.

 

[tenntex32]

I think it's possible that the front sight is factory installed. I have a near mint & almost certainly unfired "half target", 3rd change, shipped 1911 (I believe). The front sight base, like the OP's, is perfectly milled with a professionaly proud and rounded pin installed (both ends). My rear sight channel has been widened for the front sight. There is no sign or any reblue - the very highly polished factory finish is consistent everywhere on the revolver and no re-work markings. It appears that the original purchaser ordered the work done from the factory and never used it. I think it's one of those "never say never" S&W oddities.

Wow, what a beautiful revolver!

 

[Lady Smith]

Howdy guys,

I give you some news about my 1905 target. I shoot it 2 times.

First time, I noticed the rear sight shot loose as you expected, so I decided to not shoot a lot of cartridges, every shot were in the target though.

Then, while I was cleaning the gun I noticed the front screw of the rear sight wasn't too tight so I tightened it and also the other screw.
This time, the rear sight doesn't shoot loose anymore.

I hadn't the time to shoot it yet since the last time, and I need to shoot more my PP .22lr I guess, cause I'm flinching since I shot my .357mag. It's a shame...

I'm still searching for original grips, I didn't find them yet though.