Hybrid 44 Target

[raljr1]

I would like to hear some opinions on this recent GB sale. 44 HE Target, that appears to have a 2nd model frame with a third model barrel and cylinder. The barrel and cylinder have a S prefix. and the letter indicates the gun shipped in 1924 and 1946.

The grips seem to number to the later parts, and the left side grip does not fit as well at the horn as the right one.

Obviously refinished, Looks like it went to the factory in 1956 and the serial number restamped on the grip frame since the swivel defaced the serial number. Since Mr Jinks indicated he did not find any record of it being done at the factory, I wondered because the work sure looked good, and it did have a date stamp on the frame.

What do you guys think about the gun and the final value?

Just a moment...

 

[Hondo44]

Like the letter reads: the barrel and cylinder were changed outside the factory. Or may not have. The factory would not have stamped an S prefix with a different # if the factory supplied the parts. However unless the owner supplied the barrel and cyl to the factory which made the change in 1956.

The lanyard swivel was likely original to the gun in 1924. The restamping of the original serial # on the grip frame was normal procedure when a swivel was ordered with the gun, and the gun was already completed and in inventory.

All that can be verified by sending a copy of the factory letter to the SWHF and requesting the work order from 1956. The cost is minimal.

 

[DARE]

The frame shipped in 1924. The barrel and cylinder came from a gun that shipped in 1946. It was cobbled together by a gunsmith, not S&W. And it was refinished? Roy does not indicate it left the factory as a nickel gun.
Sounds like way too much money to me.

 

[Hondo44]

The renickel plating appears clearly factory quality and according to protocol (the blued and unplated parts are all correct), and likely done 1/56 when it went back to the factory. So does the target sights.

I know the letter says no records but it has a factory rework date! So something was done at the factory in 1/56; stranger things have happened. Also it might have been a factory employee’s gun.

 

[bwade]

If you look at the winner of the auction's profile, there have been several non-paying bidding feedbacks left. This gun may end up auctioned again by George. There also appears to be a hole on the frame behind the trigger guard. Am I seeing things, or is there really a hole there?

 

[Hondo44]

It looks like a factory hole for their grip adapter. Those pre war high shoulder Magna grips with flat silver medallions and SS back plates are worth a bunch.

 

[22hipower]

I watched the auction but didn't bid. Wanted to but there were just too many unknowns. I'd rather have one without the questions. That said, I think the final price was reasonable.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[raljr1]

I really liked it but was not prepared to pay $2000 for it. It puzzled me that someone would have had a third model target to use as a donor, and a second model, likely fixed sight that they mated the parts to. Seems like two guns to get one good one and unless the third model was confiscated and shopped up, I don't get how, why, etc.

 

[StrawHat]

It looks like a factory hole for their grip adapter...

Jim,

How does that work? The factory grip adapter does not need a hole in which to fit or am I mistaken?

Kevin

 

[Hondo44]

Jim,

How does that work? The factory grip adapter does not need a hole in which to fit or am I mistaken?

Kevin

I might be thinking of an aftermarket adapter. I’m not a fan of them and probably shouldn’t comment on them. I just remember seeing some attached with a screw in that location. Thanks for your post.

 

[StrawHat]

I might be thinking of an aftermarket adapter. I’m not a fan of them and probably shouldn’t comment on them. I just remember seeing some attached with a screw in that location. Thanks for your post.

Not either of the S&W adapters attached in that manner, but, now that you mention it I recall something like that. I will have to dwell on it to see if I can remember more of it.

Kevin

 

[Wiregrassguy]

There was a post here a few years back that had, I believe, a wooden grip adapter that attached behind the trigger guard with a screw.

 

[handejector]

Those pre war high shoulder Magna grips with flat silver medallions and SS back plates are worth a bunch.

The circles are plated carbon steel, not stainless.

I see several odd things-
* It is odd that Roy did not give the finish for either gun.
* It is odd that the swivel is drilled through the serial number when the Factory still had leftover 1917 frames and most 44-2nds from that era have swivels!
* The rear sight's elevation screw has a large head.
* I'm also puzzled by where the donor barrel and cyl came from.

It IS a pretty parts gun though!

 

[Hondo44]

Didn’t know that about the stock circles, thank you. Seen so many references to SS circles l followed the flock like a sheep.

Yes a good looking piece in spite of the anomalies.