Identification

[Aplyfred]

Hey all,
Came across a beauty of a gun today for a good price, I think. After some searching I believe I have a 22/32 heavy frame. The number behind the yoke is 16092. I would love to know more about the age of the gun and possible value. Any information would be much appreciated.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! If you give the number from the front grip strap (a serial number location peculiar to this and the Regulation Police models) we can help with an age estimate. Also, detailed photos from other angles would help us with a value estimate.

 

[4speed]

later ones have counterbored cylinders and are proofed for HV ammo
early ones are good for standard velocity ammo only
if you post a pic of the open cylinder that would help

 

[steelslaver]

Looking at the gap between cylinder and recoil shield I don't think it is recessed (counter bored)

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. That is an early 1920's 22/32 Heavy Frame Target. It is a 22 caliber due to the pin in front of the hammer. It has what looks like 6 digits on the front of the butt-frame, a barrel shaped ejector rod knob, and a convex single screw set of 1920's stocks. Check the number there again and let us know what you see? Also, does it have a MADE IN USA on the right side of the frame?

 

[Aplyfred]

Questions

I am going to try and reply to all the responses with the additional information. The other number on the gun is 495659. It does say made in the USA on the right side. I am adding a few more pictures as well. Thank you everyone

 

[cmansguns]

Welcome from Virginia - nice gun!

Welcome to the Forum.

I agree with other's in that you appear to have a 22-32 HFT, and depending on the s/n (the six digits on the fore strap), probably in the 1920's like already said.

If you want to see what they looked like when leaving the factory almost 106 years ago (Sept 20, 1915 to be exact) check the pics below. The box is original and numbered to the gun, as well as a bronze bore brush wrapped in original "rice" paper.

Like also said above, value will depend upon more pictures so condition (cosmetically) can be ascertained. If you have the gun in hand you would need to inform us of mechanical condition (cylinder end play, end shake, hammer push-off, etc.).

For some exact details from the S&W Historical Foundation, consider sending for a factory Letter of Authentication..they can assist you with pinning down original details.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, Fred! It appears your .22/32 HFT was made in the late 1920's as others have noted. There should be a serial number inside the grips on the right panel that matches the number on the front grip strap. Those grips are pretty chewed up but they can be repaired. We have some grip magicians on the forum that can fix them for you if you want.

 

[Hondo44]

That's a nice one.

These are commonly and Officially known as ".22/32 Heavy Frame Target" models, at least until about 1931 when a heavier frame .22 was introduced; the K22 Target on the K size frame. Then thru 1974 when discontinued, it was officially the ".22/32 Target".


It has the 'barrel' style extractor rod knob so it was made after this date for sure:

• 1/22/27 change order to replace 'mushroom' extractor knob, with the ‘barrel’ style (with single milled notch under barrel), on all HE non-shrouded barrel models.

And it was made before or near these changes if the right grip # matches the gun #:

• 2/11/1929 - Gold plate over brass recessed medallions ordered reinstated in wood stocks but with ‘convex’ stock circles;
3/18/29 changed to flush mounted, flat gold plated;
April 1929 finally changed to flush mounted, flat silver plated over brass thru WW II.

#495640 HFT shipped 1/26/29 so that gives you an idea of about when yours may have sold and shipped.