Regulation Police Target .38 S&W

[SouthNarc]

I just happened across one of these with a 4" barrel. Allegedly shipped 1926.

Is the RP Target in .38 S&W common compared to the .32 Long?

 

[Green Frog]

I would say just the opposite is true. The RPT 32 can be thought of as the element unobtanium, and the RPT 38 as a rare isotope. So you might guess neither one is anything like common.
Froggie
PS I once found a 6" barrel (only) for a 38 RPT listed, but I've never even seen a picture of that gun!

 

[SouthNarc]

I would say just the opposite is true. The RPT 32 can be thought of as the element unobtanium, and the RPT 38 as a rare isotope. So you might guess neither one is anything like common.
Froggie
PS I once found a 6" barrel (only) for a 38 RPT listed, but I've never even seen a picture of that gun!

Well that's super interesting.

 

[Model19man]

Rarity is one thing. Value is another. They usually don't go together.

 

[SouthNarc]

Rarity is one thing. Value is another. They usually don't go together.

That's so subjective IMO that it's literally impossible to discuss.

I can't fathom the "value" of a 4 million dollar McLaren Solus GT however a client of mine is super happy that he owns one of the 25 made.

 

[Model19man]

That's so subjective IMO that it's literally impossible to discuss.

I can't fathom the "value" of a 4 million dollar McLaren Solus GT however a client of mine is super happy that he owns one of the 25 made.

Well the same guy doesn't own a Smith & Wesson RPT does he?

 

[SouthNarc]

Well the same guy doesn't own a Smith & Wesson RPT does he?

No…he does not!

But it just is an extreme example of the value question I think. It's so subjective.

 

[Model19man]

No…he does not!

But it just is an extreme example of the value question I think. It's so subjective.

The thing is you can not find another RPT so is it valuable with no comparables? Or is it so valuable you can name your price when selling it?

I think the answer is hard to figure out. I sure don't know what it might be worth.

 

[SouthNarc]

The thing is you can not find another RPT so is it valuable with no comparables? Or is it so valuable you can name your price when selling it?

I think the answer is hard to figure out. I sure don't know what it might be worth.

I've been looking on the internet and I have not seen a 4" RPT in .38 S&W anywhere to make a comparison, besides the one I've found.

 

[raljr1]

If you arent buying it, ....

 

[SouthNarc]

If you arent buying it, ....

Already did.

 

[hibbs]

I have had 2 Reg. Police Targets over the years, both 6" 32cal. One I sold to one of our members, and the almost perfect one I still have. Shipped in 1927 and 1929.

Richard

 

[CptCurl]

Already did.

Great! Let's see it. Please post a few photos.

Curly

 

[CptCurl]

I have several I-frame Targets, but none in .38.

Scrounging around in my computer files, here are a few photos of a not-so-common .32 HE Mod. 1903 Target in my custody:

This one is an absolute delight to shoot.

Curly

 

[SouthNarc]

Great! Let's see it. Please post a few photos.

Curly

Just bought it from Cabela's in PA. so it'll be a few days before it lands.

 

[SouthNarc]

Just got it in hand and everything looks correct to my eye. The little stocks do number to the gun and it came with a letter. The pin has walked a bit to the right on the front sight blade but overall I'm happy with this score. hand ejector theorizes that there were maybe a handful of RPTs made in .38 S&W.

 

[SouthNarc]

More pics.

 

[Muley Gil]

Very nice.

I wonder why S&W built these .38s with 4" barrels, while the .32 I frames had 4 1/4" barrels?

 

[SouthNarc]

Very nice.

I wonder why S&W built these .38s with 4" barrels, while the .32 I frames had 4 1/4" barrels?

That's an interesting ponder John.

 

[Bald1]

That's a beauty. Congrats on finding it and actually knowing what you were looking at.