Post War Transition Kit Gun Rare

[bmg60]

Hi
Here are some pictures of a Transition Kit Gun with all the original tools helpful hints and the really rare Screw Driver that came with these Transition Models. Over my 40 years of collecting I have had the chance to see and buy only two of these revolvers and I bought both of them. This one came with all the tools and paper work and is as new in the box 99%, serial number is 5812XX which puts it in the 1951 time frame. The other one I have is a little later than this one. It is 6016XX and was shipped in Oct of 1952, it came with the box but no tools or paper work it has the larger stocks like the 1953 kit guns, but it is still the short frame. It is in 96% condition all original condition.
Jim Fisher

 

[james56]

Wow Jim, thats a real cool and interesting gun. I enjoy all your post's and always learn something from them.

 

[Green Frog]

I'm in LOVE! That is one beautiful little revolver. If it isn't the most rare of the transitional I-frames, I don't know what is. Have you ever seen or heard of one with a 6" barrel? I've only seen the barrel, but no complete gun. Congratulations on a great find.

Regards,
Froggie

 

[DCWilson]

Jim, that's a beauty. If I ever see one of those with or without its box, I'll go totally obsessive-compulsive trying to acquire it. Congratulations on the score. A complete transitional KG package has got to be one of the rarest possible catches for S&W collectors to dream of.

Froggie, H.M Pope recently published a partial photo of what appears to be a postwar transitional .22/32 Target revolver. It's the first evidence I have seen that a specimen of this model exists, though there have been undocumented assertions that they do.

I picked up a postwar six-inch tapered I-frame .22 barrel a while ago. Now I just need to find the rest of the gun!

 

[rck281]

That is a fantastic piece. I really like guns that are complete with the original accessories and paper. Great find.

 

[needsmostuff]

I think that is the tallest halfmoon front sight I have ever seen. So cool,so cool.

 

[DCWilson]

Technically speaking, that is the USRA Pocket Revolver front sight. If you look closely you will see it is a stepped half moon with a very short vertical face at the top of the radius. I have never seen these on any S&W revolver except the prewar Kit Guns and the postwar transitional Kit Guns. They definitely make a style statement. I like them too. A lot.

 

[bmg60]

hi
here is a close up of the front sight. It is inserted in to the barrel sight boss and pinned but you can't see the pin it has been polished flush.
I think the sight is called a USRA sight. some of the prewar kit guns had this same sight.

Jim fisher

 

[mikepriwer]

Here is another one, presented to Congressman Cecil King.

Then, this one was owned by Edward R Murrow:

And then this one has really nice stocks !

Mike Priwer

 

[Hondo44]

Hi
......The other one I have is a little later than this one. It is 6016XX and was shipped in Oct of 1952, it came with the box but no tools or paper work it has the larger stocks like the 1953 kit guns, but it is still the short frame. It is in 96% condition all original condition.
Jim Fisher

Jim,
Thanks for making my day! These are such a great find and I'm glad you got it! I'm very curious about your first one with the "larger stocks like the 1953 kit guns, but it is still the short frame." Would you mind posting a photo? I'm envisioning that they are the Mod of 53 new style oversize target stocks that enclose the front grip strap and the butt of the grip frame.

 

[bmg60]

hi
Jim here is a picture of the later gun 6016XX it has the short grip frame and uses I frame grips. the early gun has the same grip frame but it had the round top grips.
Jim

 

[BlackAgnes]

Guys--

Mine has the same front sight profile:

Here's a comparison of the furnished screwdriver with a modern version:

I wonder if this screwdriver was supplied with any other post-war transition models--any one know?

Tim

 

[bmg60]

tim
the 196 32 targets Reg Police model should have been shipped with this same screw driver.
jim

 

[Frank237]

Great thread...... wonderful learning experience.

FN in MT

 

[Hondo44]

hi
Jim here is a picture of the later gun 6016XX it has the short grip frame and uses I frame grips. the early gun has the same grip frame but it had the round top grips.
Jim

Jim,
Ok I see, the I frame 'mini' Magnas used before the Mod 1953 I frame went to the J frame-sized grip frame and J Magnas.

Very nice, you not only have two transitionals but two different evolutionary models.
Thanks again,

 

[50 target]

WOW, so many great examples and from just two guys. Probably no more exist for the rest of us, which meand I'm gonna have to stay on the porch cause ain't no way I can run with the big dogs.

Thanks for sharing guys.