New Model #3 Target Value?- NOW WITH PHOTO

[Dosgatos]

I'm looking at a new #3 Target with standard 6-1/2" barrel, though the front sight is a half-round blade, not a Paine. The finish is about 95% nickel, hard-rubber grips, and caliber is 38-44. The gun is lettered to 1889. Trying to find a ball-park value as the values in SCSW 3rd ($2,500-3,500) seem high to me.

NOTE: Nothing new here, except for the photo.

 

[ebeeby]

That's not high for a 95% gun. I would say that the only factor depressing the value is that it is 38-44 and not 44 In fact, $3500 may be low.

Just my 2 cents YMMV.

 

[stumper]

If it is in original 95% condition, $3500 is not high at all, IMO.

 

[glowe]

Your Model 3, would be rated as Excellent if 95% original finish remains and the target option should bring at least a 10% premium. Any caliber other than 44 Russian will also bring a premium. Jim Supica valued an Excellent standard Model 3 at $5000 in his 2006 SCSW.

I assume the factory letter on this one tells you that it is still in factory original configuration. If so, that letter will definitely add value for a future sale. When collectors pay this kind of money, they will need to make sure the gun is well documented.

 

[Dosgatos]

Yikes! The realities of collecting...

Maybe I'll stay with New Departures.

 

[opoefc]

TwoCats, With a standard front sight, the gun would be considered a "Half Target" and would be worth the money only if it letters a such. Chances are the rear target sight is an addition after the gun left S&W. God Luck, Ed.

 

[rct269]

I wasn't aware of any 38-44's without target sights--------????

Ralph Tremaine

 

[alanfir]

A new model#3 with target sights and in 38-44 caliber would most likely be the separate model that came standard with target sights in 38-44 and 32-44 caliber and is named the "New Model #3 Target Model". A standard new model #3 with the target sight option and in 38-44 would be a very rare revolver I think. Alanfir.

 

[alanfir]

Looks like the photo shows a non-rebounding hammer which I believe is unique to the New Model #3 Target model. This is the target model that came only with target sights and in 38-44 and 32-44 caliber. The prices you have listed are for exc. and exc.+ in the SCSW New Model #3 Target model section. Alanfir.

 

[Masterpiece]

I'm looking at a new #3 Target with standard 6-1/2" barrel, though the front sight is a half-round blade, not a Paine.

Peter,

Now that you've posted a photo of the Frt.Sight it's very clear that it's a handmade replacement & not original to the Revolver!! As you've already stated, it needs a Paine Sight to make your Revolver "Correct"!! I also checked thru my goodies & couldn't come across one that I'd guarantee is correct for a 38-44 so I checked Dave Chicoine's Site (oldwestgunsmith.com) & he no longer has any 38-44 Paines listed anymore either, just 32-44s!! It also might not hurt to contact him to see if he's run across any lately as I noticed his Site hasn't been updated since Late 2012!! Most likely because they're generally really, really busy & don't have time to keep things up to date!!

Just a suggestion, but you might want to take a chance posting a WTB here on the Forum & see how your luck runs!! You just never know!! I'll also keep a lookout & if by chance I stumble across one I'll send you a PM!!

As far as it's value, in this day & age it's most certainly not an exact science as the prices on these vary so much depending on whether or not someone's looking specifically for one of the 32-44 or 38-44 Targets plus Condition, Etc., so my only approximate est. would be somewhere around $2000 to possibly $2500 given the condition I'm seeing!! Truthfully, I don't see near 95%...JMHO, but some better photos might persuade me to change my mind a bit!!