Smith & Wesson 3rd Model Perfected Target Pistol .22 Long Rifle 10″ Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,110.00
LSB#: LSB250608WJ051
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 3rd Model Perfected Target Pistol
Serial Number: 5039 (matching on frame, barrel assembly, and inside grip panels)
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1909–1923. Classified as Antique (all frames produced before 1899).
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Top-Break Single Shot Target Pistol
Barrel Length: 10″
Markings:
The left side of the frame bears the S&W monogram logo. The right side of the frame has a blank sideplate. The top of the barrel is marked “Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. USA”The left side of the barrel rib is marked “22 LONG RIFLE CTG”. The forestrap is stamped “5039”. The grips are checkered hard rubber with molded S&W monogram logos, each numbered inside to this pistol.
Sights:
The front sight is a pinned post blade that has been re-profiled with a swept-back, tapered silhouette. The rear sight is mounted to the barrel latch and features the improved windage-adjustment system, using opposing screws on each side of the sight leaf. Originally, this pistol would have been fitted with a Paine target blade.
Grip Configuration & Condition:
The grips are checkered brown hard rubber with S&W monogram logos. They display moderate handling wear, scattered marks, and minor smoothing. Both panels are correctly numbered to the gun and remain solid. The frame is a round butt frame.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no visible fouling or erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition:
This pistol retains 92-95% of its original blue finish, showing thinning and finish loss at the muzzle, high edges, and grip frame. The hammer and trigger show muted case color. The re-profiled front sight is carefully executed, but non-original. The grips remain correctly numbered and intact. The action is crisp with solid lockup. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics:
The action functions correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories:
None.
Our Assessment:
The Smith & Wesson 3rd Model Perfected Target Pistol was the pinnacle of the company’s top-break single-shot line, adapted from the .38 Double Action Perfected revolver. It was the only single-shot model to feature the Perfected frame with a sideplate on the right, incorporating both double- and single-action lockwork, though used here solely as a precision target arm. The hallmark improvement was the windage-adjustable rear sight mounted to the barrel latch, with opposing screws for fine adjustment. With only about 6,949 examples manufactured between 1909 and 1923, it is the scarcest of the four S&W single-shot models.
This example, serial number 5039, is an early-production pistol falling within the transitional range, where some carryover traits from the 2nd Model may appear. It features grips numbered to the gun, a bright 9/10 bore, and the correct latch-mounted windage-adjustable rear sight. The front sight has been re-profiled from its original Paine target blade to a swept-back post, almost certainly by a competitive shooter seeking a crisper sight picture. Such period modifications highlight its intended use as a target pistol rather than a safe-kept collectible.
For collectors, the 3rd Model Perfected Target Pistol is both rare and historically significant, representing Smith & Wesson’s last and most advanced word on the top-break single-shot design. Its production figure of fewer than 7,000 ensures its desirability, and its antique status makes it widely accessible. This pistol, with its transitional serial range, excellent bore, matching grips, and period sight alteration, would be a valuable centerpiece in any advanced Smith & Wesson or target pistol collection. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the rifle in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
