S&W model of 1950

smoothshooter · #1 10-04-2020, 10:41 PM

I inherited a .45ACP S & W revolver, slim-profile 6 1/2” barrel, marked
“ 45 CAL MODEL 1950 “ ser. number:

“ S 7720* “

In VG + condition, at least. Nice wood grips, probably original to the gun with excellent fit.
Would like to know the date of manufacture.
I figure someone here has that information.

Not wanting to sell it, but curious about what these usually sell for,
and if this what must be a relatively low serial number makes it more desireable.
I haven’t shot it much yet, but seems to be very accurate. Single and double-action trigger pulls are flawless.

Any info would be appreciated.

wetdog · #2 10-04-2020, 11:14 PM

1950-51 from SCS&W.

Texas Star · #3 10-04-2020, 11:15 PM

Had one. Liked FMJ bullets best. May like hard cast lead okay. Not soft lead Auto Rim.

Pine_Worker · #4 10-04-2020, 11:19 PM

Post a picture, you will get more comments and info.

mh51 · #5 10-04-2020, 11:45 PM

According to SCSW 4th edition, serial numbers started at S76212, so yes yours would be an early one. If the grips are correct, the right grip will have the matching serial number on the inside.
When evaluating one, condition is by far the most important factor. If you can post some pics, you will get some good info.

StrawHat · #6 10-05-2020, 05:37 AM

While there are two versions of the Model 1950, the fact that you state yours has the 6 1/2” barrel indicates to me it is a target model with adjustable sights. I have a Model 1950 Military with fixed sights and a 5 1/2” barrel.

The 1950 Target Model was the first 45 ACP Target revolver to be cataloged as a standard item. Not common, not rare, but also not seen a lot. Especially when, like me, you are looking for one!

Pictures, please.

Kevin

jeffrefrig · #7 10-05-2020, 08:11 AM

Hi all. Does the .45ACP cartridge need anything like a moon clip to shoot in a revolver or does it have enough rim to load like any other size revolver? From owning a couple .327FedMagnums, I know one can shoot a .32ACP out of my revolvers; they just don’t eject easily.

murphydog · #8 10-05-2020, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffrefrig

Hi all. Does the .45ACP cartridge need anything like a moon clip to shoot in a revolver or does it have enough rim to load like any other size revolver? From owning a couple .327FedMagnums, I know one can shoot a .32ACP out of my revolvers; they just don’t eject easily.

S & W 1950 .45 ACP cylinders have chamber shoulders in the charge holes, so .45 ACP rounds will fire normally. Sometime empties will fall out with the muzzle up or a high-tech extractor rod can be used - some call it a "pencil".

.45 Auto Rim will work like a typical revolver round.

StrawHat · #9 10-05-2020, 08:28 AM

(Alan types faster than I do!)

The 45 ACP cartridge has no rim to speak of. It can be loaded and fired in the Model 1950, Model 1955, and Model 1917 revolvers as that is the way they were designed. Ejection is not possible because of the lack of rim. For extraction and ejection of the ACP cartridge you need to use moon clips of some sort. Sometimes elevating the muzzle to vertical allows the rounds to fall out. Sometimes they need a flick of the fingernail or poke with a pencil to drop loose.

Another work around is to use the 45 Auto Rim cartridge. Introduced by The Peters Cartridge Company in 1923, the 45AR is the 45 ACP with a thick rim added to take the place of the moonclip.

I get my moon clips from the original manufacturer of the modern moon clip, Ranch Products. Good folks to deal with and the best prices.

Kevin

cmansguns · #10 10-05-2020, 08:34 AM

jeffrefrig: if you have your own range in the backyard or similar, you can fire 45 acp in your S&W revolver, however when I tried it at my local range in my Model 25-2 (45 cal model of 1955 roll mark), I found 2 things that sent me to full moon clips.
1. FTF (Failure to Fire) this was attributed to very light primer strikes, most likely due to extensive headspace. This was not all cylinders every time, but random. Also only use factory ammo 230 gr. FMJ like Blazer Brass.
2. Had to have a wooden dowel on hand to eject those that did fire, or else using fingernail took most of my range time extracting and loading round by round.

Scope out my crummy cell phone pic looking down the charge hole and you can see the distinct land edge where the 45 acp round stops at the case neck, so if any slight variance in case length, even with factory ammo, when combined with the designed headspace for the thickness of moon clips, I believe was the cause of my light primer strikes in most cases.

Bought a BMT moon clip loader/unloader, load bucoo full moon clips at home prior to range outing....spend ALL my time shooting and enjoying this wonderful revolver. Moonclips are cheap and my 25-2 seems to really like the S&W factory moons (p/n 191420000) that measure 0.041" thick.

Have not experienced a single problem of any kind ever since going with full moons.

lamarw · #11 10-05-2020, 10:36 AM

I believe you are describing a 1950 Model (Light Barrel)"Pre-Model 26". Below is a picture of mine, and you can confirm if yours is the same.

There were only 2,768 of these produced in .45 ACP. There were 500 additional produced in .45 Colt.