M&P Target model

[mtu164]

Several questions. When was the Target model first produced ? From what I gather the M&P was introduced in 1899 , but I can't find how soon after that the gun was made in a target model.
Was the 32-20 Target model introduced the same time the .38 spec. was ? If not , when was it ?
Would a two or three digit serial number target model be numbered with the regular run serial numbers , or did they have their own group of numbers ?
Thanks for any help.
Tom

 

[wheelgun610]

Not sure if anyone knows the serial number of the first target model, but there were Model of 1899's built with target sights. Target models were serial numbered in the normal M&P range, though the .38's and 32-20's each had their own respective serial range.

Mark

 

[rct269]

Perhaps the most interesting thing about target models (any/all of them in the early days) is the sights. Target sights first became available on the New Model #3----late 1870's. They continued to evolve for the next 60 years---when the "Micrometer" adjustable sight appeared on the K-22 2nd Model in 1940. That sight remains in use today----looks different---essentially the same sight.

The evolution was driven by the necessity to design a sight that wouldn't "shoot loose"---sounds simple enough to me; but I wasn't there. There never was a problem with the .22's, but as you move up what I'll call the recoil or shock ladder, there it was--the damn sights moved!!

The very first sight which was truly adjustable for windage came about in 1909-10. The sight which preceded it was simply movable----nothing adjustable about it. It was adjustable by virtue of a pair of opposing screws----which essentially locked (one against the other) when you were through adjusting----and there never was a problem with windage adjustments "shooting loose".

The elevation adjustment was a different matter altogether. With one exception along the way, elevation adjustment was accomplished with a "jack screw". It worked great for adjusting, but when you were through adjusting, it just sat there---waiting for something to come along and jar it loose. They tried all sorts of stuff to make it stay put--and failed.

Then came what we have come to call the "two screw" sight-----early 30's----only FIFTY YEARS after they started. Oh, the shame of it all!! This one has TWO screws in the elevation system---ostensibly one screw to adjust with, another to lock with. And if you use it as I've just described it (intuitively), it won't work---it too will "shoot loose". So FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS!! Following the instructions is a large pain, so they kept at it-----and VOILA----the "Micrometer" sight came to be. It stays put by way of detents----spring loaded.

All that said, the "two screw" sight is the very best one ever made----simply because it is INFINITELY adjustable, and the "Micrometer" sight isn't. But the "Micrometer" sight is easy to use---AND it won't shoot loose. The "two screw" is NOT easy to use (properly), but when it is, it too stays right where you put it----no matter what.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[jmace57]

Not sure if anyone knows the serial number of the first target model, but there were Model of 1899's built with target sights. Target models were serial numbered in the normal M&P range, though the .38's and 32-20's each had their own respective serial range.

Mark

One (1899 6" target) sold in an auction today for $750 plus commission. Based on the latest SCSW, I think someone may have gotten a bargain for one in G-VG condition. S/N 9171

 

[bruce5781]

Here is one that shipped December, 1899.

Sent from my SM-S975L using Tapatalk

 

[model3sw]

From 1899, on up, all target sighted M&Ps were by special order. The scarcer the production run the more desirable. e.g. a 1899 Target (or 1902, 1902/1st, 1905, 1905 1st/2nd/3rd) command higher premiums than the 1905/4th target as this was the longest years and volume of productions of all the pre-war M&Ps.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Here is one that shipped December, 1899.

Sent from my SM-S975L using Tapatalk

Great gun! Did you letter it?
Don Mundell
Assistant Historian
SWHF

 

[bruce5781]

Great gun! Did you letter it?
Don Mundell
Assistant Historian
SWHF

Not yet. It's next up on the list. Roy said it didn't ship to anyone famous.

Thanks,
Bruce

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[mtu164]

Thanks for the answers. I will be looking at these guns next week. I saw them a couple of years ago , and remember that both were brown patina. Not much blue, but no pitting. No wear as I remember , and original grips . I have no idea what to offer for them since they are not collector quality . I will not be able to get any pictures unless I buy them. The 38 special was a two digit serial number and the 32-20 was a three digit. Any ideas on value will be welcomed , with the caveat that it will be an educated guess.