New Model #3 Target in 455

[m-1911]

A friend in Canada just send me pics of a New Model #3 that he just acquired. It seems to be a standard target model, but it has an 8 inch barrel, has British proofs and is chambered in 455 and has the longer cylinder. He has slugged the barrel and it measures .454. My understanding is that Target Models were not available in 455. So was this a special order gun with Target sights? I sent him information as to how to get a letter from Roy.

I also posted this on the SWCA web page

 

[m-1911]

A friend in Canada just send me pics of a New Model #3 that he just acquired. It seems to be a standard target model, but it has an 8 inch barrel, has British proofs and is chambered in 455 and has the longer cylinder. He has slugged the barrel and it measures .454. My understanding is that Target Models were not available in 455. So was this a special order gun with Target sights? I sent him information as to how to get a letter from Roy.

I also posted this on the SWCA web page

 

[opoefc]

Gary, Quite a few NM#3s were chambered in .455 caliber, mostly for the British market and they were a common gun used in the target matches at Bisley in the heyday of Brit target Shooting, circa 1880s-1920s If the gun was to used at Bisley, Brit shooting rules allowed only drift adjustable sights. What type of sights does your friends gun have?

 

[m-1911]

From the pictures he sent they appear to be the drift sights

 

[dinguss]

Thanks for posting this Gary!
The rear Site has a Tiny screw underneath that ya loosen then tap the blade left or right.

The Barrel is Ser #ed to the frame but has a B after it,
Theres another tiny B on the frame under the right grip.
The Ser # on the gun is # 35260
The Rachet Extractor even has that Ser # stamped in it.
The Bore is Spotless minty lookin and slugs about .455
Has a 7.5 inch Barrel.
Trigger is the best on ANY gun i ever had to looking at the Hammer you can hardly notice the Full cock notch its so slight.
Gun is tight and locks up perfect.

Im requesting a S&W Letter on the gun.
I will try and post pics later i tryed just now but it wont let me for some reason.

 

[opoefc]

dinguss, That's a drift type rear sight, as required for the British shooting matches. The B stamp means the gun was blue finished originally. A letter will tell you what the caliber was when the gun was shipped.

 

[dinguss]

Heres one picture showing the British proofs.
I find it hard to post pics on this Forum.

 

[dinguss]

Heres one of the Entire gun.
I know the Front site Blade is a replacement its Silver tho and Taller.
Musta needed it i guess.
I will find out soon enough!!!

 

[dinguss]

Heres a good shot of the Logo and theres another british Proof forward if ya look hard.
I got a Refund from Canada post for Delivering a Expresspost parcel late its $51 so im gona use that to Request a Roy Jinks letter on my new Gun.
I just love this unit.