Very cool! I'd say a shooter like that deserves a better front sight and a reblue! You do find some neat ones!

Nm

No mattrer how efficient this modern stuff is, it don't have a smidgen of the appeal such firearms as your new one possesses
.

and the only safe thing to do is to send up north here, while the winds will still carry the mushroom cloud away from you ;)

Great score!

Sending my M25-13 in to make it capable of shooting 45ACP with moon clips.

nm

That was a popular conversion. Most guns I've come across in this configuration belonged to law enforcement officers when built. The ones I have seen shot similar to yours. Congratulations.

The barrel on that 1955 Target Model has been chopped back from 6.5 inches. It is easy to tell because the front sight is not factory and the lettering is not centered on the barrel. Smith always centered the lettering on the barrel.

The handgun of course started life as a "Highway Patrolman" (Model 28) in 357 Magnum. The target trigger and target hammer was added as well as they were not available on the Model 28.

Looks like the original 357 mag cylinder was rechambered At some point in time, somebody added an extra cylinder. Could have been from the 1955 the barrel came from.

My favorite sixgun is a 1955 Target Model that has the barrel chopped back to 4". I really do like it!!!

I have not checked lately, but Powers Customs used to make a good ramp front sight that could be screwed on to that ramp. That is what I have on my. Of course the pin hole would have to be plugged and polished down. You are going to reblue that thing are you now and put on some primo grips. Speaking of grips....

If you are looking for some nice grips for that thing, I will work a swap for the Smith Magnas on it. I have some really nice grips that might interest you.

I am currently into a Smith and Wesson Magna phase and am looking to replace all of those I swapped off, sold or gave away years ago.

There's an issue of the Gun Digest annual from the 60s or 70s with a Model 1917 set up like yours, except with the original fixed sights, on the cover. There was also an article inside. If I recall correctly, there was some modification of the rear of the .45 Colt cylinder to allow it to fit into the frame without interference from the little protrusion on the left rear of the frame opening. It's been a long time since I read the article, so forgive me if I'm less than clear.

I wanted one like it for a long time, but could never find a candidate for the conversion and by the time I did, the prices were outrageous. Still looks like a great idea and a wonderful find.

Congratulations.

nm