Triple Lock revolvers with 7 1/2” barrel length question

[mrcvs]

My research suggests that of the 15,376 civilian Triple Lock revolvers manufactured,approximately 10% of this total was the Target Model variation. The overwhelming majority of production consisted of revolvers with a barrel length of 6 1/2", both with regards to standard production and Target Model examples. There are a few oddball Target Model examples out there with short barrel lengths that were also Target Model revolvers—for what reason I simply don't know, as a longer sighting plane is desirable with regards to a Target Model revolver. But they exist.

However, given that a longer sighting plane is desirable, and given that a Target Model variation is much less common than the standard configuration, having said all of that, my unofficial observations with regards to the 7 1/2" barrel length, the standard configuration is far less common than the Target Model variation. Which sounds reasonable, as the longer barrel length lends to more precision and the inclination to fit with Target sights.

So, are my unofficial observations correct, or are Triple Lock revolvers with 7 1/2" barrels more common in the standard configuration, as with other barrel lengths?

 

[StrawHat]

Your supposition is a definite maybe.

In other words, wait for the experts to chime in.

Kevin

 

[rct269]

My first (and only) 7 1/2" TLT came to live here about 22 years ago, and prompted a similar question to the (now) Dr.Jinks. He responded in his letter of September 18, 2000 thus: "The number of these revolvers with target sights is difficult to estimate. (This is an example of what's known as a "cop-out clause up front", but it ain't like there's a better source to ask.) He went on-----"It is my opinion that between 250 and 500 were completed with 7.5 inch barrels and some type of target sight." I decided "some type of target sight" referred to those fitted with drift adjustable rears for the Bisley matches.

Ralph Tremaine

As an aside, I don't remember seeing another 7 1/2 " TLT either before or after this one. Now that proves absolutely nothing, other than I was never in the right place at the right time, but I've been hunting S&W target guns since 1957---right up until about three years ago when I decided to pass along a pile of money rather than a pile of guns----figured the guns'd be better off.

 

[mrcvs]

My first (and only) 7 1/2" TLT came to live here about 22 years ago, and prompted a similar question to the (now) Dr.Jinks. He responded in his letter of September 18, 2000 thus: "The number of these revolvers with target sights is difficult to estimate. (This is an example of what's known as a "cop-out clause up front", but it ain't like there's a better source to ask.) He went on-----"It is my opinion that between 250 and 500 were completed with 7.5 inch barrels and some type of target sight." I decided "some type of target sight" referred to those fitted with drift adjustable rears for the Bisley matches.

Ralph Tremaine

Ralph,

Now that jogged my memory. I believe I recall seeing a Triple Lock revolver with a 7 1/2" barrel that had a standard rear sight and a Target front sight, or, more likely, the reverse—e.g., a Target rear sight and a fixed front sight. What, a quasi- or semi-Target Model revolver?

 

[rct269]

Ralph,

Now that jogged my memory. I believe I recall seeing a Triple Lock revolver with a 7 1/2" barrel that had a standard rear sight and a Target front sight, or, more likely, the reverse—e.g., a Target rear sight and a fixed front sight. What, a quasi- or semi-Target Model revolver?

More likely the latter, but I've never seen what I regarded as a factory drift adjustable rear----have seen more than a few with quasi-drift adjustable rears; but quasi means you'd need a hammer AND A PUNCH (and someone to hold onto the gun while the hammer and punch work was going on) to move the sight---it being flush with the sides of the frame. I've seen a picture of one with a sight which protruded beyond the frame on both sides, and decided that would be the way the factory would have done it.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[hibbs]

Had the only 7 1/2" TL that I've run across lots of years ago. Standard sight blue gun that had been poorly nickel plated.Sn.3924. Was told that std sight 7 1/2" TL's are not common. Anyway, I sent it down the road, as I collect mostly only target guns. I suppose Fords could have saved it, but not for me.

Richard

 

[mrcvs]

I didn't receive too many responses in this thread, which is fine, as most or all of us don't know the answer. So, I asked on the private side of the fabulous Dr Jinks, and he posted an answer more comprehensive than I ever expected—with a percentage. So, if you wish to know, you can check it out over there. Or, if you don't belong to the SWCA, here's incentive to join!