Triple Lock Turns Out To Be 1926 Target?

[handejector]

I agree that this gun is most likely an original Target that was not recorded correctly in the log.
I would like to see pics of the top of the frame and rear sight.

Grooved Tangs-
N frame Target guns did not have grooved tangs till the engineering order of Oct 17, 1927. This gun shipped more than 5 mos before that order.

Butt Swivels-
Any gun could be ordered with one. Riding horses, canoeing and boating, skiing and snowshoeing, riding motorcycles, etc probably figured into many such orders.
N frame swivels were never centered- the center of the swivel was always 1/10 inch forward of the bottom strap's center. Guns originally manufactured with a swivel always had the usually centered number OFFSET.
If a finished gun was pulled from the vault to fill an order for a gun with a swivel, they drilled through the number and restamped the number on the lower left tang under the grip.

 

[opoefc]

Wyattingraham, Never fear. Your gun is a 100% factory target. Four factors support this conclusion (1) Known poor record keeping on guns shipped to W&K, (2) serial number stamped on rear sight base, (3) no rework/repair dates stamped on grip frame. and (4) several close serial numbers of similar target guns are not recorded in the records as targets, but were lettered, or can be, as targets, if Roy Jinks personally examines the gun and can letter the gun as " not shown in the records as a target, however in his opinion the gun is a factory target." Service sighted guns returned to S&W for addition of target sights by the Service Dep't. will have the date code stamped on the grip frame and NO serial number on the rear sight base. At least one of such guns also had a "S" stamped on the sight, indicating work done by Service Dep't. Ed.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

W/o re-reading the entire thread, did anyone suggest looking under the left grip down near the 'toe' of the grip frame for a month and year date? If the rear sight is numbered and matches your gun #, there is a star by the serial # on the butt and there is a date stamp, I'm of the opinion it could be a factory rework. W/o a rework date or star I'm not convinced it's not a factory target.

The main rule with S&W guns is that there are no rules. I understand that it's not impossible that the shipping clerk did not take the time to record the target sights or lanyard ring because of such a large shipment. Bottom line is there may not be a way to positively confirm whether or not it was shipped as a target. Let's see what others opine.

Many thanks for that info. I also have a 1926 Target? Similiar to the one being discussed. I saw the 1148 on the front side left butt did not know what it was. Also have star on butt after serial number.

 

[Hondo44]

Many thanks for that info. I also have a 1926 Target? Similiar to the one being discussed. I saw the 1148 on the front side left butt did not know what it was. Also have star on butt after serial number.

You're very welcome and I'm happy it was useful!

Since yours is a return to the factory installation, this is an opportunity to add to the information. As you undoubtedly read above, target sights added later by S&W are unnumbered to the gun but may have an S stamp signifyling the 'Service' Dept. did the work. Now I understand completely if you would rather not attempt to remove the rear sight. But if you are so inclined, what you find there will add to the database and observed information already recorded. Again, totally your decision though.

Thx,

 

[wyattingraham]

Thanks all for the rekindled interest in this thread. I'm happy (and a little humbled) to say that the 3rd Model is doing well and that I've been able to add a couple of stablemates to keep it company. I've posted a couple of additional images--rear sight serial, swivel and frame. If these aren't telling, I'm happy to try again.