Have a 44 special target H.E., third model, with serial number S14384X. The blue Book list this model at $9,500.00. Is this correct? Thanks.

With an S prefix and this number, it would be a model of 1950 .44 Target from about 1955. The 3rd models were pre-WW II, with a few leftovers made just after. It's a sought after model but not a $9500 gun.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

MD is correct.
I have a one on S147 thousands range.
Neat guns, very desirable.
But not worth $9500!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

More like $850 to $1,000.

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Fred
S&WCA 3238

The earlier 1950 .44 Targets (later to become the Model 24) are very desirable, especially those with 4" or 5" barrels, which are rare. You did not provide the barrel length of yours, so I'll assume it has the standard 6-1/2" barrel. In any event, I'd say one in very high condition should sell for maybe $2000-$3000, especially with its original box, papers, and implements (you did not mention having those either). S14384X suggests yours shipped around mid-1955. Are you wishing to sell it or just curious?

Mine is a 6 1/2, matching grips, no box, about 95%.
I have it insured for $1,500.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

It's more than likely about a 3500 dollar revolver.

Something just a little wrong with this post and description. All 3rd models are sought after. Post war guns in particular. Then add in the target part and the value/price goes up through the roof. They may have made a couple of hundred post war 3rd model targets. Not sure how the OP settled on it being a 3rd model. I'd like to know more.

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Dick Burg

I think there were about 5000 of the Model 1950 .44 Targets made (including the Model 24), from 1951 up until about 1966. They were brought back briefly in the 1980s.

With a S/N in the upper end of the S 143000's it's gotta be a 1950.

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

If it was a Post war "44 Target Model of 1926 (3rd Model) 1946 to 1949, then we're talking big money. It would be a "Post War Transitional 44 Target", long action hammer, barrel rib, Micro click rear sight, which is listed in the blue and priced the same as the Pre war "44 Target Model of 1926, (3rd model), 1473 produced, Serial Range S62489 – S75000, $9500 in 98%.

However the Blue book has your gun description, a "1950 44 Target Model (4th Model)" "mangled" into the description of the Transition model referenced above and w/o pricing, which would be priced depending on condition $1500 to $2400 (98%).

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I'd still like to know more. Its not like S&W has never finished a gun using parts on hand and then serialized it and sold it after its time. Since none of us know how the OP (like Elvis, has left the building) determined it was a 3rd model, we're just guessing. We use words that convey specific meanings and maybe the OP just used the words he felt like using. We don't know. Everyone has a lot of faith in the quantity built as referenced by Roy. But we also know there were 1st models made after the 2nd models came out. Yes, it violates the 15,375 rule. Proof is in the pudding, or in the guns that exist.

Jump on me all you want, I can take it. But I'd still like more information.

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Dick Burg

A picture would sure enough be nice to see!
Please!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

***POST SOME PHOTOS - They are worth a thousand words***

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

I have got S1437XX 44 HE 4th Model 1950 Target and according to Roy it shipped in April of 1955 from the factory......very close S/N to the revolver in question.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

There seems no way that the OP's revolver could be anything other than a 1950 .44 Target at that SN. I don't know what the SN range of a postwar 1926 .44 Target would be, but certainly not that high (S14384x).

I bet if you pay $9500 for it, you can do all the speculation you want!

I agree, pretty hard to argue with that serial #.

By the way Transitional numbers:
Post #11, Serial Range S62489 – S75000

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Jim
S&WCA #819

An early photo of a post-war 1926 44 Target, S71099. I had this revolver in my collection for about ten years before letting it move on.

Bill