S&W Model 1905, 4th Change with Factory Target Sights

[Dave Markowitz]

You won't see one of these every day. This is a mid-1920s vintage S&W Model 1905, 4th Change with factory target sights. The rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation, but is not micro-click. The front is a McGivern bead. I added the Pachymar grip adapter.







I picked it up 12 years ago, and run a box of midrange .38s through it every 5 years or so. It was part of a collection that a widow had sold to a local FFL. I saw it and almost melted my Discover Card getting it out so fast.

 

[BullfrogKen]

That one looks like a lot of fun. Big front sight.

 

[Oro]

That's nice. Those are indeed uncommon. I don't have any pre-war target models, but I'm told those older sights are little rascal's when it comes time to adjust them.

This is a mid-1920s vintage S&W Model 1905

I'd bet that if those grips are original, then it dates to 1930. The ejector rod end shape is of the type adopted in 1930, and the grips are from the type discontinued 1929/1930.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

When I got it I looked through the Standard Catalog of S&W and based the mid-20s date on info in it. AFAIK the gun is all original, though I suppose that something got replaced before it fell into my hands. But it looks like it was bought in the 20s and sat in drawer until I found it.

 

[Radagast]

Very nice and thanks for posting the pics.

 

[Oyeboten]

Hi Dave,


What a pleasure to see.

I have always wanted one of those and not yet found the one to bring home.


Good going!


Wonderful Revolvers.


Looks all 1920s to me, other than the Grip-Adaptor of course ( which is probably no Spring Chicken either).


Now time for you to go set up a Bullseye Target and walk back fifty paces and try it out..!

 

[madcratebuilder]

I love these old M&P's, the post WWI revolvers are very well made pieces.




I should have bought more of them when the prices were better. They have doubled in the past five years.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Very nice!

 

[Gordon]

Beautiful guns! Pull the trigger on one of these babies and you will wonder about modern technology!

 

[TonyT]

I wish my 1905 4th target was in as fine a condition as your specimen. Mine has a lot of blueing wear but mint bore and chambers. Personaly I believe the pre WWII long action S&W revolvers had the smoothest DA triggers.

 

[BullfrogKen]

madcratebuilder,

That is a very nice piece, and those grips are just splendid. Very classy.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Thanks, sadly I no longer have the top revolver. I have sellers remorse at times, until I look at what it bought. It wasn't that long ago you could buy a nice M&P for $200, a really pristine one for $400. They are double that or more now.

 

[salvo]

Beautiful 1905's guys!
This one was my Grandfathers. It did not spend quite as much time in the sock drawer

 

[Onmilo]

Mine has been used quite a bit too.

 

[belercous]

What's up with the front sights? I see 3 different ones here, and I just won one (4th change) on AA, and it has yet a different sight. (Should get it in a day or two.)

 

[Onmilo]

There were something like 9 different front sight options and you could order a square notch or a V notch rear sight.

 

[Oyeboten]

Okay...I will go sulk for a while now...


Lol...


I almost got one a few months ago, no blueing left to speak of, totally worn out action, and almost no hint of Rifleing...way WAY overpriced, and wrong Stocks...but it was a very early one, like 1902 or so.

I thought "Hey! I could rebuild this!"


Ohhhhh, golly...maybe it is just as well I kept a walkin'...I got enough projects!