Model 1903, 32 Long HE Target Model

[Casual Smith Nut]

Thanks BC38. Yes it's not very noticeable so I'll leave as-is. The only thing I plan to do with it for now is get it lettered and shoot it. I just looked at the S&W website for lettering the 32. Looks like turn around time is listed as 10-16 weeks!

 

[KS_SW_guy]

Opoefc has the foreman's logs which detail the exact day of production for certain models. Here's one also in the 105xx range that was manufactured 15 November 1903, only 10 days prior to yours.

Jaw dropping!

 

[Hondo44]

Later on the same page 141 it says:
"VARIATIONS
No target models have been reported in this early s/n range. If verified by factory letter, would be worth substantial premium. Target Models do exist for the various changes of the Model 1903 - see below."
Then the catalog goes on to describe the 1st Change onwards.

This agrees with OPOEFC's earlier post on this thread.
Looks like I need to pony up and get the gun lettered.

Yes! I hope the shipping records are more specific than the manufacturing records and specify it as a Target model!

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Did informal tin can accuracy shoot at 15 yds. The revolver shot great. The target sights with front brass bead are very easy on the eyes. The sights did not require adjustment and shot POA at that range... at least for tim cans.

Someone had asked earlier about barrel length and bullet velocity. Out of this 6 inch barrel:
2 gr bullseye 93gr LSWC ran avg 750s
2.2 gr bullseye ran avg 850s

Same loads in an old 1920s Colt pocket positive with 2.5 inch barrel ran about 100 fps slower than the S&W 32 Target Hand Ejector. There's always the variable of cylinder gap so take results with a grain of salt.

I was pleased that the old Target 32 shot as well as it did. The double action is not as smooth to me with the older style trigger return as later models are with the rebound slide and spring. The single action is very light and easy to use. I did notice that when cycling slowly in single action by manually cocking the hammer with the thumb that there are a couple of slow chambers in cylinder timing. A normal/brisk cocking of the hammer allows the momentum to give correct timing for lockup on all 6 chambers. The double action gives full lockup when cycling the complete trigger pull.

All in all, I'm quite pleased with shooting this old gal. She feels more fragile than she actually is. I think the petite I-frame has something to do with that perception... or maybe I am over cautious in treating it gingerly.

I still have to send off to get it lettered and see if the S&W records indicate that it was shipped as a true "Target Model."

 

[glowe]

There are some differing opinions on the type of adjustment screw was used on your early 32 HE Target and I checked a great study conducted in 1977 by Robert Neal that was published in Arms Gazette. It seems that the I frame target sights remained the same from introduction in 1903 to 1911 before any changed were made. The attached below show the standard rear target sight starting with 1899s for all frame sizes. It consists of a single screw that bears on a countersink on the bottom of the sight. As you turn the screw, which is down inside the hole, it brings the sight up or down.

Neal also stated that the elevation screw changed in 1907 to allow a threaded stud to protrude above the top of the sight making it easier to see the slot and adjust. The end date of that style is not certain. There was one statement that stated the sight did not change until 1932 and another reference to 22/32 HFT sights changing around 1913-1915. I am not sure if the 32 HE Target was changed the same as the 22/32 or not?

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Wow interesting about the target rear sight screw. Mine definitely has the screw underneath the rear sight mount. It is accessible via a small hole using a screwdriver smaller than the actual screw. The screw controls elevation from underneath.

 

[mrcvs]

Casual Smith Nut,

Here's the factory letter on this revolver…in case you were wondering.

 

[Tom K]

Here's my 1903 Target shipped May 6, 1915, in very nice shape except the rear sight body has cracked and been repaired. The serial has a star and as the letter indicates it has been back to the factory, but I doubt that they did the repair.

I bought it at a Wanenmacher gun show back in November 2012. In addition to the cracked rear sight it was missing the rear sight blade (although it still had the tiny windage screws) so I got it for a really low price. Ken Cheely was nice enough to send me a new rear blade but with Fiocchi 100gr wadcutters it still shoots about 5" high.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Casual Smith Nut,

Here's the factory letter on this revolver…in case you were wondering.

Ian!!! Glad you got it lettered! Hope you've been enjoying it. Based on your collection it probably has a better home with you.
Good to hear from you man!