iskra
Member
I recently acquired the S&W 38/44 Transition Target model shown in the below photos. The hammer has been modified to a pseudo target configuration and it presently wears a trigger shoe. Otherwise I would rate the gun about 95%, this accounting for some blue wear at the muzzle. I seldom look at modified guns, but I have a soft spot for the N frame postwar transitions. At about $600 OTD, it wasn’t a great deal, but it seemed sufficiently uncommon and a potentially restorable specimen. The trigger shoe will come off as soon as I can locate a correct Allen wrench and I do have a the possibility of a good transition trigger if the shoe leaves significant marks. But I am definitely going to need a hammer and I wonder: (1) How scarce are such parts; (2) where I might best inquire and (3) how much I should expect to pay.
My last question is to the practical rarity of this target model. I differentiate ‘practical rarity' as may be suggested by knowledgeable members here, from the statistical rarity based strictly upon production numbers.
For interest, my other transitional N Models are listed below. Except as noted, all are original and in excellent condition or better. ( * previously presented photos in a prior post to this forum.)
Thanks for any information.
My Transitional N Frames:
45 Model of 1917 – 209xxx (non-“S”) prefix.
***
44 Target – S71xxx (*)
44 H/D 6 ½” – S63xxx (*)
44 HD 5” – S68xxx
***
38/44 Target – S71xxx (Only about 'Good')
38/44 Target – S69xxx
38/44 HD 5” – 67xxx (in photo)
38/44 HD 5” – 65xxx
38/44 HD 4” – S63xxx (in red box)
My last question is to the practical rarity of this target model. I differentiate ‘practical rarity' as may be suggested by knowledgeable members here, from the statistical rarity based strictly upon production numbers.
For interest, my other transitional N Models are listed below. Except as noted, all are original and in excellent condition or better. ( * previously presented photos in a prior post to this forum.)
Thanks for any information.
My Transitional N Frames:
45 Model of 1917 – 209xxx (non-“S”) prefix.
***
44 Target – S71xxx (*)
44 H/D 6 ½” – S63xxx (*)
44 HD 5” – S68xxx
***
38/44 Target – S71xxx (Only about 'Good')
38/44 Target – S69xxx
38/44 HD 5” – 67xxx (in photo)
38/44 HD 5” – 65xxx
38/44 HD 4” – S63xxx (in red box)