Saw a chief spl a couple weeks ago that had target sights. I've seen more than a few, but this one had no model #. Just saw a post referring to the 14 that were made in 1956 and was wondering?

This one had combat grips that covered the serial #, and a red ramp front sight. It looked 100% as far as finish goes. I'm sure the orig grips are long gone as he bought it as a gunshow walk in.

How much info is out there on these? total production ? Production runs other than 1956. If one of 14, what would the relative value be compared to a regular mid fifties chief spl.

Thanks , Charlie

The Chief's Special Target (CST) were produced in limited numbers from 1955 until the last run in 1989(model 36-6, 615 made)! From 1955 to 1957 there were 114 guns produced in the serial number range #55050-57xxx. These guns were not model marked. In the late 50s or early 60s they were marked model 36. In about 1973 they were changed to the model 50. There are many fakes out there for sale because they comand a higher price! The serial number blocks of the CST are know for all the different limited production runs through the years!
Bwe careful of the fakes!
jcelect

Thanks

this one was not model marked, not even an assembly # in the crane area. are these seen with a red ramp front sight?


Charlie

The one you saw was one of the 1st three production runs before Model #s were used. All other runs were Model # stamped.

Chiefs Special Targets were uncataloged, sporadic production 1955 thru 1990. Regular production began in 1996 w/Mod 60-10



BLUE: Models 36, 37 and 50



Total production somewhere between 1740 and 2136 serial numbered in regular ranges.



First run of 100 in 1955, Pre Model 36, # range 55050-57919, 2nd style flat latch, 4 screw frames.



312 in 1954-55 reported Pre Model 37, 3 ½” barrel.



14 in 1956, Pre model 36, 2nd style flat latch, some may have 4 screw frames.



198 in '59. Model 36, # range 149811-150133, 2" Sq Butt, 2nd or 3rd style flat latch.



Sporadic from 1965 – 1975, Mod 50, 2” and 3”, Rd or Sq Butt, early w/3rd style flat latch and/or diamond grips, few 3” w/RR front, w/o rear and wide trigger.



1006 in '66. Model 36, # 391773-392778, 2" Sq Butt. Flat latch 3rd style and diamond grips.



568 made in '73 Mod 50, # 930j45-936j19, 2" Sq Butt, standard thumbpiece.



37 in 1978, Mod 50, prefix # range 933j-936j, 2” Sq Butt, or Mod 37 (see page 217 SCSW, 3rd under Variations and also Engineering changes).



213 in 1975. Model 36-1, # range 2j3134-2j3347, 3" HB no lug, Sq Butt, pinned barrel.



615 in 1989. Mod 36-6 black bead blasted guns, 3" HB full lug and Rd Butt, .340 combat trigger.



STAINLESS: Model 60



660 in 1986. Mod 60-1, 2” barrel, Rd Butt, Special run for Ashland Shooting Supply.



1990. Mod 60-4, 3" HB full lug and Rd Butt, .340 target hammer, grooved .340 target trigger. Regular production.



1996. Re-introduced in .357 Mag on J Magnum frame. Regular production.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forum member, Goony's one of the 114, 4 screw, serial numbered toward the high end of the 57000 range.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Hondo, you are the man. Mister Chief Spl Target.

Thanks for all the data and all the typing.

What I remember is that it had a polished blue, probably later than 1956-57. I do not remember the cyl latch, so I'm thinking it was the later version. I'm sure there was no screw at the top of the sideplate.

Called him yesterday ... he said he gave it to his wife. Could be a tough one to dig out.

It could have 3 screws anytime after 1956. You might have to find a nice shiny Lady Smith to trade to get her to part with it!

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Jim, I have seen one of the ones from 1959, #150023, and it had neither model number nor assembly number markings on the frame.

I had not seen the detailed breakdown of production runs that you've given. Thank you, that is invaluable information. My gun (the one pictured above) is in fact one of that first batch of 100 from 1955.

__________________
SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

I purchased one many years ago which was fom a run commissioned ny H.H. Harris the S&W distributor in Chicago. It had a very curious fate.

The revolver was purchased in my home town in New Jersey, sold to a police officer where I went to work in SW Michigan. The officer took it to S&W armorers school and had it refinished in nickel and subsequently sold it to a collector in my wife's home town in central Wisconsin.

I have a few of these early Chief Special Target revolvers in the 1955-1957 range with my oldest SN: 55060 (I haven't heard from anyone who has one older) and 3 Factory Engraved, amongst others. Sal

Here is another thread you might enjoy. Chief's Special Target

__________________
John. SWCA #1586