M1950 Target... Should I?

[Fishslayer]

Got a chance at a 1950 Target for $650. It's in pretty good shape. The large stocks look original. The finish is in pretty nice shape. Feels tight.

Serial is S910xxx. I think that puts it around '56 or '57?

It'll get used, and it feels REALLY nice in my hand.

Can't find a lot about 'em on the internet. I understand there were only 2,768 of 'em were made? Many of the ones I found had sawed off (shudder) barrels.

 

[1Aspenhill]

I'd jump all over it at that price. The ship date is 1951-52.
Bill

 

[Sebago Son]

Is it a Pre-26 or a Pre-24? While this sounds like a fair deal if the gun is straight, it would be a very good deal if Brushed Blue 6 1/2" Pre-26 .45 ACP, but a screaming deal if a Special Order, High Polish, Factory 4" or 5" Pre-24 .44 Special.

 

[mikepriwer]

S910xxx.

First, there is something wrong with this serial number. Perhaps there
is an extra digit, or an extra x .

Second, I agree with Paul . You should describe the features of the
gun more completely; otherwise we have no idea what you are
talking about.

Third, and most important, you should post some pictures. Part of the
reason for asking questions about value, on this forum, is that there
are lots of knowledgeable folks who, after looking at a gun, can offer
a lot of insights.

Without pictures, you are implicitly making the assumption that your
eyes have digested all the information that can be gleaned from the
gun. Why bother raising the question here ?

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[crsides]

or do like I do .... buy it and then ask questions.

 

[Dave T]

or do like I do .... buy it and then ask questions.

(smiley face goes here) Been there and spent that (LOL).

Dave

 

[TSQUARED]

Grab it before it goes away!

 

[1Aspenhill]

I did not pay attention to the serial number, it is not a N frame so I don't know on the price.

 

[29aholic]

I did not pay attention to the serial number, it is not a N frame so I don't know on the price.

Not an N frame?? of course it's an N frame.
Mike is right there are too many digits (or x's) for a 1950 Target you probably meant S91XXX. Is it a 45acp or 44spl? FWIW the 45's dont shoot worth a crap, which is the reason Smith brought out the 1955 Target. The 44's shoot pretty good.

 

[Fishslayer]

Yikes. I DID misremember that SN. It's actually S85xxx. Have no clue where that other number came from. Sometimes getting old sux...

It's a 6 1/2" tapered barrel .45 ACP. The finish has the usual bare small patches at the muzzle and a turn ring. Feels tight, tho.

The cretin who owned it put some gawdawful looking white paint on the front sight. I just hope it comes off easily. It almost looks like it could be glow in the dark...

or do like I do .... buy it and then ask questions.

Yeah... I did... Figure at the very least I'll have a really nice and REALLY expensive set of grips for my 28-2... OR... it could be one of those "right place, right time" scores.

You should describe the features of the
gun more completely; otherwise we have no idea what you are
talking about.

Features? umm... it appears bone stock... I'm talking about a pistol?

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I think you got a good deal. If I had seen one for that price it would have been an instant adoption. I'd prefer the 44 Special but wouldn't turn down a 45acp.

 

[Elvis Ray Bob]

Hey!
You would always be able to get your money back out of it. That's a great buy. They are cool pistols.

 

[j38]

Don't sweat the white paint. A little acetone will remove it without affecting the blue finish. Looking forward to pictures,

Jerry

 

[Fishslayer]

Don't sweat the white paint. A little acetone will remove it without affecting the blue finish. Looking forward to pictures,

Jerry

Acetone crossed my mind but I didn't know if it would affect the finish.

As you can tell, I'm very much a n00b when it comes to classic pistols. I'm starting to think I have expensive taste, tho

My local 'smith is going to get his hands on it soon after I do (30 days in PRK pistol jail ).

Next time I go to the range I'll see if I can get some pics.

 

[Dave T]

My local 'smith is going to get his hands on it soon after I do (30 days in PRK pistol jail ).

Please tell us that's for a function check and not a re-blue!

Dave

 

[Fishslayer]

Please tell us that's for a function check and not a re-blue!

Dave

No way!

Just a checkout & tuneup if required.

I intend to shoot it from time to time. I've already got a couple pounds of 230gr LRN bullets for it & am looking for a good light load.

 

[Texas Star]

Good luck. I had one that wouldn't shoot factory Auto-Rim ammo for sour grapes. Maybe it'll do better with hard cast or jacketed bullets. I didn't want to fool with half-moon clips, so didn't try ACP ammo.

Mine didn't have a bright finish. I've seen some M-28's with finishes as good. But it was well-fitted, as were most Smiths in that day.

T-Star

 

[Fishslayer]

Got some pics today

Not the greatest...

 

[tennexplorer]

You got a great buy. I would have no problem shooting it. The cylinder throats may be large so jacketed may work better than cast, although I have had luck with .454 hard cast vs. .452.

 

[beb42503]

Very nice! You did right well!