A friend from church brought over his Smith 45 ACP Target revolver for me to admire. He bought it 40 years ago just because he bonded with it, even though he is not a big gun guy. Paid $415. I believe it was made in 1952.

It is in perfect shape. I could not help but admire the King's cock-eye hammer. This is the first I've ever seen up close and, as a bullseye shooter from time to time, I can certainly appreciate this hammer as the very best I've handled for one-hand shooting. The cock-eye hammer is mentioned and pictured in the SCS&W, but does not appear to have been a special order option? I think it may be the rare non-factory option that does not decrease the value.

Hoping to take this to the range soon.

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Very nice, the hammer is a Micro however. The company was formed by a few former King employees. They were eventually sued over some of their copy cat designs


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Kris
OGCA, NRA LM

Thanks 410 Bore! I had assumed (incorrectly) that Micro was a model name under King's.

If you paid $415.00 for that revolver, you are one lucky guy. The 1950 is my absolute favorite shooter.

I interpreted the original post to mean his friend the seller bought it for $415 a long time ago. Model 1950s were well known for being a scarce and expensive collector .45 when I bought one in 1975. After waiting the previous 2 3/4 years on a waiting list I bought a 29-2 that same year for the manufacture's suggested retail price (MSRP), $243. I forget what I paid for my pre-26. Whether $415 was a screaming deal or a huge premium over a Model 25-2's MSRP depends on how long ago it was.

I thought all cock-eyed hammers were made by welding steel on to the side of factory hammer spurs. Didn't Micro offer gunsmithing services at one time?

Online auction the other day sold one for over $1800.

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George Jamison

"I believe it was made in 1952"
S95,000 – S102,999….…..Late 1953 – Early 1954 (manufacture)

Closest SN on my list for a .45 is S969xx, shipping in 7/53

I had one, was perfectly satisfied with having it in my collection...right up until I shot it. Did not shoot worth a ****. I mean nothing I had would shoot well through with the exception of some 45 GAP ball ammo. I didn't pay much more than what your friend paid and sold it for a LOT more than I gave.

The Pre-26s were built specifically to shoot 45 ACP hardball ammo in Bullseye competition. Some owners have good luck with lead, others don't. I think softer lead bullets which fit the chamber throats are the key.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

I have a Pretty 26, ser# S81xxx and like one poster became discouraged with it. Tried every combination, no luck or love. My brother gave me some Lee 190gr swc with long body & short nose. Magic it was I tell you. 5 shots rested cut one ragged hole at 25 ydsAND it is easily repeatable. Long bearing surface will stabilize it.The short Lyman #452460 so good in the autos does not have enough bearing surface. Try that bullet with 4.5 gr Bullseye. You'll like it. My 50Target is a shooter grade but she is gorgeous to me.
Enjoy
Bob

That parallels my experience with one, which I soon traded for a .357. At the time, late 1960's, I had no idea that the M-1950 Target would eventually be a valuable collectors item.

My friend just told me he wants to sell this gun to someone who will better appreciate it. I promised to help him do so. Perhaps we will start with the for sale section of the forum?

Picked up a semi 1950. It was a M28 frame with 1950 cylinder and 6.5" barrel then hard chromed for $475. Changed grips and immediately shot it with my favorite 185SWC target loads. Vg accuracy with everything tested

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Tommy