Wild Goose Chase

[jrd1976]

A friend spotted a S&W at an out of town gun shop over the weekend.
He said he didn't pay much attention because he was not interested in it.
His description:
"No model number, large frame, like a 1917, maybe like one of those bright blue guns like a Highway Patrolman with a better finish, only in 38SPL. Front sight not round. Old gun but looks good."
I'm having thoughts of a Heavy Duty or an Outdoorsman or maybe a Reg Mag or non-RM or pre-27 and make a beeline for the gun shop.
What it was:
Not an N frame; 1905 4th change in immaculate condition with immaculate stocks; probably mid-thirties; slight turn line, no case head marks on recoil shield but a huge problem. Someone ground or filed off the back half of the front sight down to the top of the barrel, to make it Patridge style, with a little round bead left on top.

Dry run this time, but I'd do it again if I got another hot tip.

 

[Wingmaster]

Half of the fun is the chase.

Wingmaster

 

[robertrwalsh]

If you don't look you never find the real ones.

 

[Peak53]

Well, that would be a K frame. Depending on the price and condition, I wouldn't let the altered front sight stop me, unless you are looking only for collecting purposes.

 

[jrd1976]

Well, that would be a K frame. Depending on the price and condition, I wouldn't let the altered front sight stop me, unless you are looking only for collecting purposes.

The sticker price was $699 but he discounted it to $650. I couldn't see making an offer when I've bought Model 10's for $300 or less in great shape.

 

[DWalt]

You can do better for that price. Should be no regrets about passing. Let someone else have the fun in buying it.

 

[gmborkovic]

Agree, price is out of line because of the sight. But, still a great shooter at $300. We all have to remember that the pre war Mod M&Ps were every where. People/smiths made modifications all the time. My 2 cents. Mike 2796

 

[Hondo44]

Sounds like a nice 1905 4th Change.

Was the front sight patridge profile filed down right thru the sight base down to the barrel?

If just the blade was just filed down to the base, and if I could get the price down after it sat on his shelf for 6 months, I'd be tempted to get it. I've restored the half round sight by cutting one from a junk barrel, milling the sight base for a slot, and pressing fitting the blade into the sight base slot with red Loctite. A fairly simple and undetectable repair. But then I like restoration projects.

 

[jrd1976]

Sounds like a nice 1905 4th Change.

Was the front sight patridge profile filed down right thru the sight base down to the barrel?

If just the blade was just filed down to the base, and if I could get the price down after it sat on his shelf for 6 months, I'd be tempted to get it. I've restored the half round sight by cutting one from a junk barrel, milling the sight base for a slot, and pressing fitting the blade into the sight base slot with red Loctite. A fairly simple and undetectable repair. But then I like restoration projects.

Great idea Hondo44, but it was filed right down to the barrel.
I would have bought the gun for $300 as is as a shooter. I'll keep an eye on it.