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12-08-2016, 11:40 PM
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.45 Target Model of 1955 (pre-25)
I picked up this well worn gun recently. It belonged to a police officer who lived in Pacifica, Ca. He carried this on the job during the late 1970s. So we were told.
The gun is a .45 Target Model of 1955. SN S1659xx. It was shipped on Nov. 2 1956 to the Shapleigh Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Mo. From there, at some point to California and J. Henwood in 1976 (at least that's the date inside the stocks).
tipoc
Last edited by tipoc; 12-08-2016 at 11:41 PM.
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12-08-2016, 11:59 PM
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Henwood put his badge number inside the cylinder cutout.
It still shoots well with the right ammo. Though a bit high with 230 gr. loads 10 and 15 yards.
A gun built for target work. It may have seen a good deal of that. For awhile at least it rode in a holster.
tipoc
Last edited by tipoc; 12-09-2016 at 12:19 AM.
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12-09-2016, 12:21 AM
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@ tipoc
Enjoy shooting your Model of 1955 Pre 25 5 screw.
There's several threads on these excellent revolvers.
Have you removed the grips yet?
Some revolvers shipped with W shaped and U shaped mainsprings.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/139059922-post6.html
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12-09-2016, 12:24 AM
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Common mainspring.
tipoc
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12-09-2016, 03:42 AM
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I can only hope to show that little finish wear when I am 60 . I would probably describe it as "holstered, a little". Enjoy!
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Alan
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12-09-2016, 08:12 AM
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My thoughts exactly Murphy Dog, if that's well-worn I've got some pieces that are a disaster. Very nice piece.
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12-09-2016, 09:04 AM
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The number etched into the frame under the cylinder looks like an evidence # rather than a Badge#. If a Badge# it's the highest I've ever seen. Nice gun anyway..
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12-09-2016, 10:08 AM
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That's a nice .45.
I worked with an officer who carried a M25 and with another officer that carried a 5" M625 ACP. Over the years, I carried a S&W 1917, a Colt 1917 and a M625 ACP. The M625 came with a 5" barrel, but it was a mite heavy. I looked for a 4" Mountain Gun barrel, but the factory was out of stock. Wound up swapping on a 3" barrel.
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12-09-2016, 10:21 AM
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Nice gun, the bluing wear adds character to a fun shooter. Bought one earlier this year with a lot of blue gone that shot great. Gave it to Andy Horvath and now have a 3 1/2" 25-2 that shoots great. Enjoy your new gun, Larry
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12-09-2016, 11:14 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 824tsv
The number etched into the frame under the cylinder looks like an evidence # rather than a Badge#. If a Badge# it's the highest I've ever seen. Nice gun anyway..
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It's the same number as etched into the stocks.
I'll try to find out more about that if possible.
tipoc
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12-09-2016, 11:27 AM
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Nice piece, I am thinking its the previous owners drivers license number, unfortunately, I have seen more than one revolver de-faced in such a way. Did you pick it up at Imbert & Smithers by chance?
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12-09-2016, 11:43 AM
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Yeah actually. Talked with Gina about it who knows the seller. But it wasn't her who thought it was a badge number.
That could be a CDL number. Right amount of numbers. The letter prefix would make it early though I think (I know nothing about sequencing of CDL numbers).
Stories that go with guns aren't always, ya know, all true. I'll try to find out more.
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12-09-2016, 12:31 PM
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Tipoc, I wonder if this revolver has any connection to John Henwood, the author of the books on the M&P, the Winchester Models 1905,1907 1910 and the book on the Remington Model 8's. He lived in Ca. but I believe he has passed.
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12-09-2016, 12:43 PM
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Hmmm?
Wrote for Collector's Grade Publications. Book on the Model 8 Remington.
We can only know if I poke around. Seems a long shot.
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12-09-2016, 01:24 PM
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I have one also. Along with my model of 1950, my two favorite shooters. Really nice revolver. Enjoy!
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12-09-2016, 01:38 PM
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Last edited by OFT II; 12-09-2016 at 01:40 PM.
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12-09-2016, 04:31 PM
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Thanks. That could be.
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12-09-2016, 04:39 PM
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Here, below, is a link to a thread from this forum from 2009.
It refers to his books and that he was a range master from Pacifica.
has anyone read Henwood's "America's Right Arm"?
tipoc
Last edited by tipoc; 12-09-2016 at 04:41 PM.
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12-09-2016, 06:07 PM
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John Henwood the author was from Pacifica. He wrote , The Forgotten Winchesters {models 1905,1907 & 1910}, America's Right Arm {M&P's} and The Remington Model 8 . I spoke with him several years ago before he died and sent him info on the Winchester 1907 and also info on the Model 8's and 81's that I own that was included in the reprint of that book by Collector's Firearm Publications in Canada. I have autographed copies of both the book on M&P's as well as The Forgotten Winchesters. He was a nice guy to visit with and I enjoyed our conversations. Tipoc, I think we have a winner in ID'ing the former owner of your revolver. All the best, Joe.
PS, he is credited in T.J. Mullen's great book on the K-Frames as well.
Last edited by Joe Kent; 12-09-2016 at 06:12 PM.
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12-09-2016, 08:33 PM
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I think you're right. Good work by all!
I think I'll try to find out a bit more.
tipoc
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12-09-2016, 11:09 PM
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From another gun forum...
"In years past I frequented the Sharps Park Rifle & Pistol Range in Pacifica, Ca. Belonged to a club there called Golden Gate Rifle & Pistol Association. Rangemaster and mentor to me, was John Henwood. Recently ran across his name online and found that he authored a few self published firearms books. The one I am interested in was on the S&W K frame (hand ejector) series. He pretty much influenced my choice in revolvers for shooting at that time, the K, J, and L frames, so would like to hear his historical account of these fine weapons."
Found!!! -- K frame book by John Henwood - Calguns.net
There are othr references to him there as well.
tipoc
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