Chief Special Target

merl67 · #1 07-20-2020, 06:58 PM

Thinking about this one looks to be one of the early ones 1955 ? grips aren't original I do not know the serial number these are the only pictures I have. It is obviously in the shooter class, but given how often I am likely to find one what would be the most I should spend as long as it functions good

daddio202 · #2 07-20-2020, 07:38 PM

Wow! Have to wonder if it is one of the only 100 made in 1955 with the upper sideplate screw. I would say if the serial starts with 55, 56, or 57 then it could be? first being 55050 then it would be fairly valuable even with condition. I would not be comfortable myself for over $500 without a letter or at least being able to go over it by hand getting serial comparing it and function check. Good find could be a rare one!?

merl67 · #3 07-20-2020, 07:46 PM

I am hopeful....we shall see

two-bit cowboy · #4 07-21-2020, 12:09 PM

I'm not an "as new in the box" kind of guy so that CST appeals to me!

Price? Gad, who knows in this crazy market?

I like daddio's thinking, though. I'd certainly go $400 - $500 if the mechanics are good.

Hondo44 · #5 07-21-2020, 06:04 PM

With the old pre war style hammer and its other features, it's highly likely to be one of these:

• First run of 100 in 1955, Pre Model 36, # ranges 55xxx and 57xxx (none in 56000 range), highest and lowest serial #s known 55050-57919, 2” Sq butt, 2nd style flat latch, 4 screw frames, pre war style hammer.

Even though a shooter, anything under $7-800 would be a great buy for a genuine target.

BC38 · #6 07-21-2020, 10:00 PM

I have its slightly younger 3-screw little brother.

Mike, SC Hunter · #7 07-21-2020, 10:12 PM

BUY IT!......I have a 60-1 target and it's the berries!

austintexas · #8 07-21-2020, 10:29 PM

I have 2, one I paid $650 for, second I paid $600 Both like new but later vintage than that one.
SWCA 892

Hondo44 · #9 07-21-2020, 11:38 PM

BC38,

That's a nice one!

It's likely from one of these two production runs:

• 14 in 1956, Pre model 36, 2nd style flat latch, new Model of 1953 style hammer, these may still be 4 screw models.

• 198 in 1959, Pre Mod & Model 36, # range 149811-150133 (but 1 is #67812, 6/11/18), 2" Sq Butt, 2nd and 3rd style flat latch. Three screw frames, bright blue; most shipped in a blue sunburst style box.

Although with the flat latch, the diamond-less grips are not matching.

And the flat latch is too early for this run unless it's one of the earliest:

• Sporadic production from 1965 – 1975, Mod 36/50, 2” and 3”, Rd or Sq Butt, early w/3rd style flat latch until 1966 and/or diamond grips until 1968, a few with 3” bbl, RR front, W/O rear sight and wide trigger. Although assigned Model 50 in 1962, not stamped Mod 50 until 1973 per Roy Jinks letter.

BC38 · #10 07-21-2020, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

BC38,

That's a nice one!

It's likely from one of these two production runs:

• 14 in 1956, Pre model 36, 2nd style flat latch, new Model of 1953 style hammer, these may still be 4 screw models.

• 198 in 1959, Pre Mod & Model 36, # range 149811-150133 (but 1 is #67812, 6/11/18), 2" Sq Butt, 2nd and 3rd style flat latch. Three screw frames, bright blue; most shipped in a blue sunburst style box.

Although with the flat latch, the diamond-less grips are not matching.

Thanks! And you are correct - it is from the 1959 run (SN 1499XX). I have a set of un-numbered black washer diamond magnas on it now - which I believe would be period correct. I just haven't taken any updated photos.

model3sw · #11 07-26-2020, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merl67

Thinking about this one looks to be one of the early ones 1955 ? grips aren't original I do not know the serial number these are the only pictures I have. It is obviously in the shooter class, but given how often I am likely to find one what would be the most I should spend as long as it functions good

I'm surprised I missed this post ...

Please check our list (Joe Cebull and I) to check if your serial number is already listed or not. Joe took me under his wing about 25 years ago to help with what he then called a "survivors list"

See: Chief Special Target Research & Survivors List Redux

Contact me with data, SN & condition so I can include it if it is not already listed. Thank you. Sal Raimondi, Sr.

merl67 · #12 07-28-2020, 11:37 AM

Picking it up Friday I will give the serial number then for the database.

merl67 · #13 07-31-2020, 11:23 AM

Serial number is 55102 pictures soon...Square butt has a bit of freckles dry as the Sahara a little bronze wool and oil should help tremendously. Now to find some correct grips.

peter-paul · #14 07-31-2020, 11:25 AM

What did it end up going for?

I went after the .44 magnum but I did not want it so badly as to really get after it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

daddio202 · #15 07-31-2020, 02:25 PM

Nice find Merl. Looks like it is a survivor right in the beginning of serial list. Interested as to what the final price was? Show us some more pics once you find some appropriate grips for it please.

merl67 · #16 07-31-2020, 08:49 PM

A few pictures after a bit of cleaning I think it looks much better now. Aside from a buggered screw in pretty good shape timing is perfect, lockup is tight with only a hint of movement.It has been a very good day, first to pick this up then on to Rock Island State Park.