Model of 1905 Letter

[DARE]

Have a model of 1905 3rd change with German proof marks.
Got my letter on the gun today.
SN 210xxx, 6" blue, target sights.
Roy Jinks said S&W had a distributor in Germany and in my SN range there were some shipments to this company.
Unfortunately my gun went to Shapleigh & Co in St. Louis.
Shipped May 14,1913.
Shapleigh was a hardware store in St. Louis founded in 1843.
Guess the gun found another way to get to Germany.
My letter says the current model of my gun is the model 10. Since mine has target sights I'm thinking that is not correct. Model 14 maybe?

 

[Absalom]

My letter says the current model of my gun is the model 10. Since mine has target sights I'm thinking that is not correct. Model 14 maybe?

That's more a matter of semantics. But Roy is correct, as the Military & Police was the model and yours is a target version of that model, which later, in a direct line, became the Model 10. The letter makes no mention of the target features, which would indicate that these were a later aftermarket addition. The Model 14 is a different model.

 

[rct269]

I don't have a whole lot to go on here, aside from 60+ years collecting S&W target guns, but I'm inclined to doubt this gun was altered in the aftermarket. Let's do this: Remove the front sight blade. The gun's serial number (in whole or in part) will appear on the bottom portion of the blade (if original). Remove the rear sight assembly. The gun's serial number will appear on the underside of the tang (if original).

There's no need to remove both front and rear sights, so start with the front. (Use a .040" cup tip punch----available from Brownells.) This is a tap-tap-tap operation---no WHAMMITY-BAMMING required. In view of the fact the front sight could easily have been changed, go on to the rear if the front is not numbered. The rear is held in place by the little screw at the front of the tang----which is frequently not the least bit inclined to come loose. If that's the case, raise the sight via the elevation adjusting screw so as to expose the channel underneath. Secure the gun in an upright position with the barrel sloping downward, and pour your favorite penetrating potion into the channel. (Kroil is my favorite.) In the event you don't have appropriate screwdrivers, Lowes has a Precision Screwdriver Set (#0525844) (KOBALT) which is so inexpensive ($10-$12 for 10 screwdrivers) you'll think it's junk----and it is; but I've been using mine for years---no harm, no foul. Its saving grace is the handles----which are large enough to hold onto.

Let me know if any questions.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[DARE]

Sights

Sights look factory to me, I think it is a mistake in the letter that target sights are not mentioned.

 

[rct269]

Sights look factory to me, I think it is a mistake in the letter that target sights are not mentioned.

AMEN-AMEN!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Absalom]

Sights look factory to me, I think it is a mistake in the letter that target sights are not mentioned.

David:

Since you are a SWCA member, go behind the curtain and post a question to Roy about it.

As the earlier random sample below shows, factory target models should letter as such.

 

[handejector]

Did you tell Roy it had adjustable sights? That is always a good idea. Ask him about it and he will probably redo the letter.

 

[DARE]

Thanks

Appreciate the help. Have put a post in the Ask Roy area.

 

[mikepriwer]

David

If possible, follow Ralphs suggestions, and remove the front sight blade, and the rear sight assembly. If the rear sights were put on after the gun shipped, there might be a bit of the original fixed sight channel showing. That, in itself, is clear evidence that the sights were not installed at the factory.

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[DARE]

.

Don't have the tool to remove the front sight. The screws look awfully small on the rear sight, so do not want to try to remove them.
Looking at the front sight, I see Lyman stamped on the left side. Does this mean the front sight has been replaced?
Don't really care if the rear sight is original or after-market. Was hoping my photo would give you guys the answer.
I have no intention of selling the gun, so just looking for info.

 

[rct269]

Lyman sights were available as original equipment.

RCT

 

[gmborkovic]

David, agree with you. Leave the pin and screws alone. Nothing worse then seeing buggered screw heads on a nice target gun.
Those sights look factory correct.

 

[rct269]

David, agree with you. Leave the pin and screws alone. Nothing worse then seeing buggered screw heads on a nice target gun.
Those sights look factory correct.

On the other hand, you might try getting the proper tools, learn how to use them----and use them. It opens up a whole new world to learn about.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[glowe]

Are there any stamps under the left stock? It is known that standard guns could have target sights installed by the service department for a fee. Not a big deal to mill the slot in the front sight base and the top of the rear frame with the right equipment.

I notice that Lee ask if you had mentioned the target sights or sent pictures? Also, did you mention the stampings on the frame and barrel. I also think that you should contact Don Mundell, since he wrote that letter.

 

[DARE]

I did mention that the gun had German proof marks. I have put a post in the Ask Roy area. Just asked if it is known if the gun was shipped with target sights. Nothing under the left grip to indicate work done at the factory. Will message Don if I don't get an answer from Roy.
Thanks for the help.

 

[gmborkovic]

Hey Ralph, stoke that comment in your pipe and smoke it!
If you get my drift. Im a 73 year old machinist with a complete shop. Know how to make tools and use them. Enjoy your smoke.
best, Mike