Request info on a 5 screw 6" 22 cal

[Max242]

Have an opportunity to pick up a S&W 6" 22 cal 5 screw serial # 163***. I don't know anything about this type. What frame, age or specifics would be great. I've heard it could be a 22/32. Not sure if grips are original or not. Any information including a fair asking would be great. Thanks in advance

 

[murphydog]

This is a fairly early .22/32 Target (mid-late 1910 decade), on the I frame. Stocks are not original, they would have likely been the two-screw extended Target stocks with gold medallions.

If mechanically sound, I am thinking a value of about $650-700.

 

[Max242]

Thanks Wiregrassguy, great info. In reading I hear about this pistol has a type of Bekeart? What does that refer to? If I purchase this what are my chances of finding a period correct set of grips? Again, thanks

 

[murphydog]

I am not Wiregrassguy but may know a fraction of what he does.

The model was first requested by Phillip Bekeart, a San Francisco gun dealer (that species is now extinct). As I recall he ordered 1000 but only received slightly less than 300, but the model name stuck with the gun.

A Wanted to Buy ad here on the Forum may find you a set of correct stocks. Will try to find an image here and post a link.

 

[murphydog]

And here is a good thread, photo of the correct stocks in post #2:

https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-h...kearts-what-isnt-known.html?highlight=Bekeart

 

[Max242]

Thanks murphydog, I'll await the pics

 

[murphydog]

Thanks murphydog, I'll await the pics

Click on the link in the previous post to the thread that has the photo.

 

[glowe]

Your revolver does not make it into the true Bekaert range and is simply a 22/32 Heavy Frame Target revolver. That serial number would have likely shipped in 1912. The various Bekeart guns were pre-160,000. Stocks should be as shown below. I personally think these are very nice design and appearance stocks.

 

[JP@AK]

Max242

The thread to which Alan provided a link shows the two-screw extension stocks for the .22/32 Heavy Frame Target model. The stocks in the pictures are the type made of walnut and, I suspect, are the most desirable and perhaps the most common.

You should be aware that an alternative was available at that time. Two-screw extension stocks for this I frame gun were also available in black hard rubber. I have one that shipped in January 1926 that came with the rubber stocks. The pictures below show what they look like.

 

[glowe]

Max242

The thread to which Alan provided a link shows the two-screw extension stocks for the .22/32 Heavy Frame Target model. The stocks in the pictures are the type made of walnut and, I suspect, are the most desirable and perhaps the most common.

You should be aware that an alternative was available at that time. Two-screw extension stocks for this I frame gun were also available in black hard rubber. I have one that shipped in January 1926 that came with the rubber stocks. The pictures below show what they look like.

I have to ask if that gun was lettered? I have never seen a set of Model of 1891 hard rubber stocks on a 1920s HFT. I thought that style was long gone before the '10s?? Roy states that 22/32 HFT stocks were all walnut.

 

[murphydog]

I was guessing a serial number for a .22/32 Target in the 160K range would have been prior to 1920, but only a letter would be definitive.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I was guessing a serial number for a .22/32 Target in the 160K range would have been prior to 1920, but only a letter would be definitive.

.22/32 Heavy Frame Target serial number 163373 was shipped in May of 1912. This was an early gun and was the 1222 HFT made.


(PS: Alan's not only smarter, he's a lot better looking than me! ...for a dog...)

 

[murphydog]

.22/32 Heavy Frame Target serial number 163373 was shipped in May of 1912. This was an early gun and was the 1222 HFT made.


(PS: Alan's not only smarter, he's a lot better looking than me! ...for a dog...)

My only reply to this is - woof!

 

[glowe]

I was guessing a serial number for a .22/32 Target in the 160K range would have been prior to 1920, but only a letter would be definitive.

I was referring to to Jack's gun, as I stated earlier the OP's gun would have shipped in 1912.

 

[Max242]

Wiregrassguy, mine is only a few hundred newer than the 163373. Great to know 1912. With an approx value of $650ish, hoping to find the correct grips for a decent price. Hate to over invest. But these have a unique look about them. I'm drawn to it.

 

[Max242]

So I was able to get the 22/32. I knew the grips weren't correct. Check out the photos. I pulled them and someone had used leather patches/pieces to adapt these to fit. My quest is to find the correct ones. Does anyone know what model pistol these are actually for? When I find the correct ones, I'm going to sell these. There is a 161 stamped on the inside. Any ideas? Thanks again to this site and its members.

 

[glowe]

They are not S&W and likely originally made for a larger K frame. Someone will probably be able to identify the maker.

 

[Max242]

Just thought I'd follow up. I was able to find a period correct set of grips for my 22/32 from a forum member. Just thought I'd show them off. This revolver really pops now. Just noticed the finger smudge on the barrel. oops. Thanks everyone.