SOLD - Excellent Smith & Wesson 3rd Model Perfected Target pistol

Description

06/06/26 - This is an excellent example of a Smith & Wesson 3rd Model Perfected Target pistol, chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a 10-inch barrel. Manufactured between 1909 and 1923, the Perfected Target earned a reputation as one of the finest single-shot pistols available in the world during its era. While S&W produced fewer than 12,000 single-shot pistols overall, the 3rd Model Perfected accounts for approximately 6,000 to 7,000 of those units. Finding surviving examples from this production block in such high condition is very uncommon. This one has all the correct features, with markings remaining beautifully crisp. The barrel displays the caliber designation on the right side and the two-line manufacturer address with patent dates ending in 1909 across the top rib. This pistol is all matching, with the serial number 8975 stamped on the frontstrap, the rear face of the barrel at the latch, the underside of the ejector, and inside the right grip panel. Built with an integral trigger guard and a double-action/single-action top-break mechanism, it features a pinned target blade front sight and a barrel latch-mounted square notch rear sight. The right ear of the rear sight notch has a very slight inward bend that does not interfere with the sight picture. The pistol retains roughly 95% of its original high-polish factory blued finish. There are hints of wear around the muzzle and along the sharp edges of the top rip on the barrel. Some scattered light thinning and a few wispy scratches running lengthwise across the barrel flats. Some faint handling marks on the sides of the frame, and a small cluster of light scratches just above the trigger guard. The most notable wear is on the front grip strap, which has thinned to a smooth gray-brown patina with a cluster of light vertical scratches around the serial number and tension screw. The hammer and trigger retain vivid case coloring. The bore is stone mint. It is fitted with excellent sharply-checkered walnut target extension grips featuring gold S&W medallions with, showing only light handling wear and no chips or cracks. Mechanics are excellent, with the action and ejector functioning smoothly and the lock up is great.