Triplelock

[Nframecollector]

I recently traded for a model 27-2 at a LGS and while looking through the vintage S&W's he had I saw a Triplelock on the bottom shelf. Upon examination it was noted that the front sight was missing and the rear was adjustable. It was nickel plated and it appeared to be about 80 % to me. It locked up tight and the asking price of 795.00 seemed okay if it had a front sight. Caliber is 44 spl. 6 inch bbl? Almost came home with me but I don't know how plentiful front sights are for them. Any help is appreciated. I will try to get some pictures if I go back this weekend.

 

[quinn]

I'd be interested if you aren't.

 

[Göring's S&W]

Come on man, I thought you were a "N frame collector" ?

You left it there? I think the boat left the dock on this deal.

 

[DCWilson]

There were a variety of front sights available for the Triple Lock target models. If you can't find an original blade, you could have one fabricated. A TL Target for $900? Why don't you own it already?

Seriously, if the gun has its original finish, that's a good buy. If it has been refinished, it might still be a reasonable buy. To establish whether it was refinished or not, look for things like a gully between the sideplate and frame edges; are the hammer and trigger nickled or do they show case coloring; do the front corners of the frame and yoke seem sharp or slightly rounded over; is there a star next to the serial number on the butt of the gun. (The star is an indicator of a factory rework. If the hammer and trigger are nickeled, that's clear evidence of non-factory refinishing.)

This is potentially a very nice acquisition, and you should learn more about it. Can you share the serial number? That would let us help date it for you.

 

[mikepriwer]

If the gun is an original target-sighted gun, you should drop everything and go
back right now and get it. Front sight blades are around - not growing on trees, but
around. A factory letter might specify what the front sight blade was, if special
ordered. If it wasn't a special blade, then it would have been the standard blade of
the period. A good machinist and/or gunsmith can always make a front sight blade.

If you do go back, get some pictures of the gun.

Mike Priwer

 

[Göring's S&W]

FWIW, an original, target sight triple lock, in nickel, would be worth many $1000s, assuming that it letters as nickel + triple lock + target.

I'm confident the gun is gone by now. On the other hand, if it its a fixed sight triple lock, that someone put micro sights on, with a non-factory nickel refinish, perhaps it will be there, although that still is a fair price for such a gun.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Buy it now!

 

[tlay]

If the front sight is gone, does it look like the barrel has been cut?

 

[DWalt]

I wish I had a dollar for every time I skipped what I knew was a really good deal but for some reason hesitated. I did it last weekend - An absolutely mint and pristine 1907 Savage .32 for $250. I hesitated 15 minutes, went back to get it, and it was gone.