The Unofficial P64 Resource Forum

Just picked this up today, interesting old S&W. From what I can gather it is an 1899 Target Model that shipped from the factory originally with a 6 in. bbl. At some point in it's history, this was chopped to three inches & a new sight added. The grips are real Mother of Pearl. Lockup is tight & there is no endshake. The finish is worn, but that is fixable. Since the collectability is ruined, should I leave it as is or park it? I have another set of factory grips I will modify to fit the round butt.

I'd say in the condition it is in, collectible or not, do as you see fit. If you want to parkerize it, I would say go for it as it's your gun. It would probably look nice parkerized. Its a shame that someone decided to hack the barrel, but it's what someone wanted to do just as you would like to parkerize it. I'd support you either way you go!

I say, leave it "as is." Even chopped, there's still collectability to it. Particularly if you can find out when/who chopped it. If it was carried as a Detective piece by a sheriff or something, for instance, that adds interest.

If you're going to refinish, I think it would look best in a deep blue. I just don't think that parking would match the MoP grips.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

Haven't decided what to do with it. You are correct, a deep blue would look better than park, but parkerizing is so easy to do! I may try my hand at rust blueing it. That would be a labor of love for sure. I did discover that this particular model was only made for about 2 years, 1899 - 1902, and all Smith's after that had the front locking lug under the barrel. It almost makes me want to leave it alone & just preserve the history it has earned!