Third model perfected 22lr

[daddio202]

Found this little gem on consignment at my local gun store. It has all matching numbers on 10 inch barrel, latch, frame and right stock all # 8386. I figure this puts it around early 1917 timeframe. The only item I question as not original is the rear sight blade. It is very tall and has a matte Grey appearance to it. The blade looks professional (certainly not a Bubba field fix). Just not the typical look of a pre-war sight blade. It's definitely seen some use but looks to have been very well cared for. Even came with a flap holster.
I noticed there is a quite substantial price drop on these in the new S&W catalog. ANIB old book listed $2400, and in the new one is $1500. This is my first top break purchase so that gave me pause but the seller of my gun was asking $1650 and my offer of $1250 was accepted so I'm in it for better or worse. What are your thoughts??

 

[Heinz]

I am no expert on those but that is an elegant looking target pistol. I would not feel bad at all for owning that at the price you paid.

 

[mmaher94087]

Nice 3rd Model Single Shot. I'll agree that the rear sight blade doesn't look factory, but it is known that target shooters of the time were modifying the pistols for their advantage at the shooting matches. It would be interesting to know how it shoots with that sight blade.

 

[H Richard]

I agree with the above, the sight blade is not factory. I did have a 3rd model, and it shot very well. I would also be very curious where the POI is at 25 yards. I'm going to assume very high. Was this gun maybe set up for greater distance shooting?

 

[ol777gunnerz]

Have you checked it for the Olympic Chamber? Push a 22 long rifle cartidge in the chamber, if it stops at about 1/16 inch and has to be forced the rest of the way in, it is the Olympic.