[Peter M. Eick]

I am thinking about buying one of these as a range gun. I am NOT going to magnumize it. I just want to punch paper and fill out my N frame progression from the original triple locks to the Registered magnum and the 38/44's.

So, please give me any advice on these guys. I am looking only at refinished shooters. I know how to check out the individual specimens but I am also open to any particulars about the gun. I posted this same query over the S&W forum, so I have some views but yours would be appreciated. Again I am looking for triple lock specific comments and advice prior to purchase.

Thanks.

[Old Fuff]

It's probably too late, but Jim Supica was selling an outstanding collection of Triple Locks. Never have I seen so many in one spot!! :what:

So long as you stick to regular .44 Special loads you won't have any problem. Do make sure whatever you buy for a shooter has a good bore and chambers. Most likely a target model will have a 6 1/2" barrel. Be aware that during the 1930's through 50's many service grade revolvers were returned to S&W to have adjustable sights installed and sometimes refinished. Don't pay for a true target model and get one of these after-market conversions. You can trust Roy Jinks at S&W for information, and knowledgeable dealers like Jim are well worth doing business with even if his prices are a bit high, which for that matter often aren't.

[Dienekes]

I have had one (never went back to the factory) for almost 30 years now. I have shot it infrequently with cast bullets and a moderate charge of Unique, but not for a long time now. They are wonderful old guns and there is no reason not to shoot one in good condition--but they're not making any more of them and I don't want to put this one at risk for anything at this late date. At most I would do it very sparingly.

My other .44s are Ruger SAs; but if I wanted to shoot an N frame .44 Special much I would just get a Model 24 or Mountain Gun.

Probably not the answer you were looking for but that's my approach to the "problem".

[Peter M. Eick]

Old Fuff,

2 of Jims are on my final 3 cut list that I am trying to pick from. Yes Jim is a very good guy and I am sure what he sells will be very good. The other dealer I am working with is also very reputable so it is a tough choice.

I was aware of the "conversion" targets, so I am looking only for a target that according to Jim should have a matching serial number under the rear sight.

I looking at my logs, and I doubt that I would shoot it more then about 2000 times per yer based upon how much I shoot my other older revolvers. I figured you are are right that it will outlast my daughter if I kept that level up.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

Pete (and no I have not bought yet, "Ask questions before spending money, not the other way" is my approach).

[thatguy]

I can't imagine wanting a gun badly enough to pay what is asked for an orignal 1st Model HE Target. Even a beater is way too rich for my blood.

Bear in mind these have untempered cylinders and are actually pretty weak. I would not, under any circumstances, exceed the 246/750 load with a TL.

[Peter M. Eick]

Its not that I want it that bad, just I have the cash and no where else to dump it. If I don't put it back into my gun collection then it will end up as the next house payment and what good will that do.

Besides what else is there? I have gone down the custom 1911 road, played the P7PSP for a while, did the Sig 210's, played the Colts, got an unfired Automag, now my big thing is N frames. I have a good collection of pre-numbered N frames, a bunch of 38/44's and a Registered Magnum. I guess the triple lock is not that much of a stretch.

Besides it will cost less then a decent custom 1911 by a named smith.