Info on S&W King Super Target

[Jonescasey]

Is there a way to get more info on this gun. I believe it is a 1905 M&P 38 special. It has the King Super Target system on it. The hammer is jeweled and the trigger is case hardened.
I don't know how to add pics to the post. But can email them or text them. Thanks for any help.

 

[jsfricks]

We need more information.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/326457-identify-your-gun.html

 

[rct269]

Here's some more information: An M&P is a K (medium) frame revolver produced in staggering numbers (comparatively speaking) in both standard and target configuration starting in the late 1800's and continuing today (although there are none in target configuration today----haven't been since 1946---thereabouts----and those are UUUUUUUUUUUUUGLY; but there weren't very many of them; so you'll pay dearly for the "uglyness". And all that said, don't quote me about them being made today---because I don't know beans from apple butter about what's made today. (That part of it is just a guess---but I figure a good guess---why stop now?)

Yours has been messed with by the KING Gunsight Company. The typical messing of a Super Target conversion involves the installation of a full length rib (a "floating rib") fitted with KING front and rear sights, and an action job---a REALLY good action job. If you wanted to have your hammer jeweled by them----no problem. It's fair to say you can't miss any/all KING products because they were not shy about putting their name on them-----KING----usually right out in front of God and everybody. (Sometimes you have to look for them---if you have a white outline rear sight on a gun made WAY before many folks had even thought about such things, take it out---and you'll likely see KING stamped on the bottom half. You may rest assured it'll be stamped where it's easier seen if there's room.)

Such conversions are HIGHLY sought after----lusted after is more like it. Many are well used---and well cared for---because they worked REALLY well. Every once in a loooooooooooong while, after you've been lusting for YEARS, you will find yourself in the right place at the right time------and BOOM!!

That happened to me not too long ago. It's not here yet, but a KING SUPER TARGET Triple Lock which has clearly spent its life in a sock drawer will take up residence here----directly. No more lusting for me, although the Boss Lady makes me wear a bib in the house so as to keep the drool and slobber off the floors/furniture----and other stuff.

The most interesting (weird) part of all this so far is the gun, shipped in 1915-----to a sock drawer, remained there until sometime in/after 1938 (the patent date on the rib)----when it went to KING, got messed with, and came back to the sock drawer. Go figure!!

I'm going to die happy.

Ralph Tremaine

And if you want some particulars about your M&P, tell us the serial number---and we'll give a really good guess about when it left it's (first) maker. If you want to learn a whole bunch more, we'll tell you which books to buy.

 

[Jonescasey]

COOL , the serial number is 652706. Thanks for all the info.

 

[rct269]

#640816 shipped February 8, 1932-----#659118 on December 23, 1936. Do the math.

As a general rule, S&W did not ship in serial number order. That said, the M&P was their most popular model---and they cranked them out like hotcakes--and shipped them just as fast as they could make them----with just enough exceptions to mess you up. The exception which will mess you up here is both the guns above are target models (maybe 8-10% of total production) and they tended to hang around longer than standard models. Yours most likely, but not necessarily, was born a standard model.

You can learn the exact shipping date of yours, the recipient, and the configuration of the gun from a historical letter (which also will give you a thumbnail sketch of the model's history). The cost is $75---thereabouts. There's an ordering form around here somewhere-----which someone who uses them can help you find.

You have a neat gun---shoot it if you like---enjoy it either way.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[gdogs]

Uploading pics for Jonescasey

 

[Troystat]

Green with envy, that is a sweet revolver. I would half to shoot it

 

[RKmesa]

Uploading pics for Jonescasey

That's a beauty - now all you need is a set of Roper stocks or at least the correct pre war stocks. Those Pach's are comfortable for shooting, but not too easy on the eyes.

 

[Kinman]

Beautiful target system adapted where it didn't exist. I bought a used Colt Officers Match 38 that had received the full King treatment back in the early 70's. It shot like a dream, needless to say in my youth I really did not see the true value of it and traded it off for a Colt Highway Patrolman in a lusting rampage for a .357 magnum. I should have seen the warning flags and heard the buzzers when the old owner of the shop was willing to trade me straight across and even through in a box of cartridges.
I just made up for in indiscretion by purchasing a birthyear Heavy Duty that has King mirror front and adjustable rear, I couldn't really be much happier, now that I am older and wiser.

 

[rct269]

You have another goody--------------------

Your hammer spur is also a custom item, maybe KING, maybe not. King modified hammers (as did others) by removing the stock spur, and welding a replacement in place. KING is best known for their "COCKEYED" hammer (made for right hand/left hand/ambidextrous use---and marked KING "COCKEYED" HAMMER on the side. Yours is not one of the "COCKEYED" variety, and if not marked KING, my knee-jerk reaction is it's someone else's creation.

And what Richard (RKmesa) said about a set of Roper grips should be considered a direct order. Once fitted therewith, you'll have the ultimate target gun of its time. (Roper would tell you one of his custom Colts was the ultimate, but he's dead----so don't worry about it.)

Ralph Tremaine

And now that I've another look, your trigger looks to be other than stock too----can't say for sure without better photo (lighting).

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...that looks real nice except for the ugly rubber thing where the handle is supposed to be...

 

[Club Gun Fan]

This is my King Model 1917 with 3 digits. It still has the early hammer. You really need to letter yours.
Don Mundell
Assistant Historian
SWHF

 

[RKmesa]

Here's a post-war M&P Super Target...with a cockeyed hammer and the Ropers.





...and a pre-war K-22 Super Target with the cockeyed hammer, standard grips and a factory grip adapter.

 

[H Richard]

You just need to get rid of these RUBBER Grips. That gun needs a nice set of custom walnut target stocks.

 

[Beau254]

I know this is an old thread. But does anyone know where to find a King Super target Vented rib? I have a 1936 outdoorsman with a king cocked hammer. Would like to add a rib to it to match.

 

[gdogs]

I know this is an old thread. But does anyone know where to find a King Super target Vented rib? I have a 1936 outdoorsman with a king cocked hammer. Would like to add a rib to it to match.

I think you'll be unlikely to find just a King rib for sale, and in all honesty, likely to decrease the value of your Outdoorsman by adding one to it if you did. King collectors would really only be interested in original examples, which by the way it already is. Would love to see a picture or two of what you've got!

 

[paplinker]

I know this is an old thread. But does anyone know where to find a King Super target Vented rib? I have a 1936 outdoorsman with a king cocked hammer. Would like to add a rib to it to match.

Hello and welcome to the forum!!

To add a rib would be pretty expensive even if found one for sale.
The modification involves cutting the frame above the cylinder and grinding down the front sight for fitting. Then you would need to have all the right pins and screws for attachment.

You might consider looking for a King front-rear sight blade.
You could go red post or red bead. That would involve only removing one pin.

Does your King hammer have a stamped King cockeyed hammer on the left? We would enjoy a picture if you can.

I have one myself but it;s the only one I have ever come across that was not on a Super target gun.

 

[Beau254]

Hello and welcome to the forum!!

To add a rib would be pretty expensive even if found one for sale.
The modification involves cutting the frame above the cylinder and grinding down the front sight for fitting. Then you would need to have all the right pins and screws for attachment.

You might consider looking for a King front-rear sight blade.
You could go red post or red bead. That would involve only removing one pin.

Does your King hammer have a stamped King cockeyed hammer on the left? We would enjoy a picture if you can.

I have one myself but it;s the only one I have ever come across that was not on a Super target gun.

 

[Beau254]

Thanks. Actually I'm an old returning member. I got hacked, so I jumped off for quite a while. Decided to jump back on since they upgraded security.
Yikes, I didn't realize all that was involved. Don't want to hack mine up.
Actually I thought it was a King hammer, but I can't see a King logo mark. Did S&W install these from the factory? Only thing is, my pistol has been lettered & there is no mention from Jinks on the hammer. States it shipped in regular format. So idk.

 

[MT99]

I think you'll be unlikely to find just a King rib for sale, and in all honesty, likely to decrease the value of your Outdoorsman by adding one to it if you did. King collectors would really only be interested in original examples, which by the way it already is. Would love to see a picture or two of what you've got!

One of the live auctions a few years ago had a Lot that was parts only and included what appeared to be about 25 King Super Target ribs and dozens of reflector ramp sights among a lot of other stuff. I stayed in until it was over $3000 but eventually was outbid. I always wonder what the buyer did with those or if he even wanted them.