Model 1905 K-frame questions

[annasophia]

I've been looking for an older S&W for a while just because I like the vintage look and want a quality old shooter to play with. I found a couple model 1905 K-frames today in pawn shops. One 4" model in probably around 80% condition for $325 + tax (SN: 3719xx) and the other is a 6" version of the same gun except that it has no serrations on the rear of the front sight (SN: 333xx). That one's in much rougher condition finish-wise (probably something like 65-75%--lots of bluing wear and slight rust here and there--but the bore is smooth and looks clean) for $250. Also, this second one has some previous owner's SSN etched into it with an electric pen...but not deep enough that I couldn't sand/buff it out on my own and possibly reblue the gun at some point. I'm looking for a tight old style shooter and these are both about equally tight and appear to be in good timing, etc. What do these prices look like to you? Pass or jump on one of them? Any chronic problems with these old pencil barreled Smith&Wessons? Also, any idea on the actual ages of these revolvers?

--Anna Sophia

 

[hsguy]

Neither of those guns based up serial number and assuming no letter prefix should have a serrations on the front sight. Prices don't sound like great bargains based upon described conditions. I think these guns are common enough you should be able to find nice original examples for a few dollars more.

 

[DCWilson]

Did the serial numbers of these revolvers have a letter prefix in front of them, like V, C or K? I don't think a front sight on a really early 1905 would have a serrated surface unless it was a home-brew modification, so the gun may be more recent than it appears. If the second serial number is just five digits without a letter prefix, it is really old. In fact it is so old that the gun would be a model of 1902, not a 1905. But a letter prefix pulls it into the WWII era or later.

Regardless of the precise identification, those prices are about right for shooter grade guns with no serious rust or action problems. I would resist the temptation to prettify an oldster. You will never get out of a gun later the money you spent on improving its appearance. If you took a $250 shooter and put another $200-250 into having it reblued, you'd end up with a $250-300 shooter. Where's the sense? If you want a better looking gun, buy one that comes that way.

Can you add any descriptive comments about these guns? Did either of them have adjustable sights? Were there patent dates stamped on the barrels? Were they square butt or round butt guns? It may not matter if they are just shooters, but we can identify them more easily with additional info.