Just acquired M&P Target

[jmace57]

I purchased this M&P Target from an auction a couple of weeks ago, and it arrived today. S/N is 445058. It has a front sight stamped "Marble" on the left side and "35-C" on the right.

The flash makes the bluing look not so good, but it looks a lot better in person than in the pictures. It is very tight, with very nice chambers and bore.

If anyone can help me narrow down the date, I'd appreciate it.

I paid $480 for it after shipping and commission.

 

[handejector]

That sight is a 'Sheard' .
The Marble's 35C version is seen fairly often on Pre-War Targets.

You'll love it.
Soak it for two days in Ed's Red in a disposable alum baking pan. All the gunk softens up and the screws will move easier.

 

[moosedog]

That gun has lot's of potential. Nice price on that one.
I've got #269094 which was shipped March of 1917. By 1942 they were up to serial number 700,000.

 

[rct269]

Well, M&P Target #404219 was shipped September 9, 1922; but my next one is #594161 (August 23, 1928); so that doesn't narrow things down much. Maybe someone else will be along with one a bit closer.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[bedbugbilly]

Nice! I have one - serial # 5534XX - a great shooter! Enjoy!

 

[DWalt]

The closest SN I have listed to yours is 4500xx which shipped on 5/10/23. Grips appear to be period-correct. That price is not bad for a target M&P. You might want to clean it and wax it. I use Johnson's Paste Wax.

 

[jmace57]

It arrived from the auction house slathered in RIG...which I appreciate. Can't tell you how many I have received bone dry.

I will clean it up, and get some better pictures if I can find my light box (after my move).

Thanks for the S/N estimates.

 

[blk_vctr]

I have the same kind of gun, same sights etc.. My s/n is 302401, but my bluing is not as good... I'm very fortunate to have come across it at the local weekend flea market. I removed the grips and cleaned it in solvent, dried and oiled it. Very smooth. I got it out to look at it again, and the cylinder latch seems stuck. I can't unlatch the cylinder, so I put it back away until I can get some input on what to do next... I will try to get some photos up...Victor

 

[DWalt]

I have the same kind of gun, same sights etc.. My s/n is 302401, but my bluing is not as good... I'm very fortunate to have come across it at the local weekend flea market. I removed the grips and cleaned it in solvent, dried and oiled it. Very smooth. I got it out to look at it again, and the cylinder latch seems stuck. I can't unlatch the cylinder, so I put it back away until I can get some input on what to do next... I will try to get some photos up...Victor

You might try to tighten the extractor rod. When they unscrew a bit on their own, they will lock up the cylinder.

 

[murphydog]

I have a fixed sight M & P less than 12,000 numbers below yours that shipped in March 1923, so it can't be any earlier than that...problem is how much later, fairly unpredictable with Target guns.

 

[Chukar60]

I have an M&P target that lettered to 1906. The rear sight has a very small notch. The front sight fills it completely. do the target models from the 20's have the same small notch? I cannot tell from the pictures posted.
Does anyone know when the rear sight changed to the larger notch?
OP, congratulations on a nice acquisition.

 

[jmace57]

Chukar60 -

I can tell you on this one that the blade does not even come close to filling up the notch. The blade fills perhaps 1/3 of the notch.

Jim

 

[Chukar60]

I appreciate the information. The sights on mine have taken some getting used to. It would be interesting to know the how and why the style changed.

 

[50 target]

Nice gun and will be a fun shooter. I've taken to a few of the pre war targets and like'em. She'll be just fine after a soak and a scrub a dub. I would have paid that for it. You can't buy a new model 10 for that money. Good score.