4" 1950 Model Target 44 (Pre 24) With Smooth Goncalo Alves Target Grips

[bubbajoe45]

Wow. That's a beauty! Haven't seen any myself with smooth targets on one of this vintage. A rare treasure indeed.

 

[Smithy]

Here is mine, enjoying retirement in Texas:

 

[saltydog452]

Rookie asking, what does the 'HE' designation indicate?

Thanks,

salty

 

[Dave T]

salty, it means "Hand Ejector".

As to the gun, not much can be added. Surely one of the best of the pre-Models. Only thing better would be a 5".

Dave

 

[saltydog452]

Got it. Thanks.

sd.

 

[Adam Baker]

A very nice discovery indeed.
Box and all plus the cool historical feedback from S&W.
I remember these S&W revolvers before the collector craze
Adam

 

[1Aspenhill]

Tom,
Another beautiful gun from your stores of beautiful guns! This one is fabulous and especially love the grips. Matching box makes it the complete package. Thanks for sharing it!
Bill

 

[kennethg]

That is a beauty. I have never even seen a 4" pre 24 in person.

 

[Art Doc]

Not often do I get truly envious over a gun but a 4" 1950 will do it.

I am so ashamed...

 

[moosedog]

Fantastic gun. Thanks for sharing and giving me a new screen back ground.

 

[keith44spl]

salty, it means "Hand Ejector".

As to the gun, not much can be added. Surely one of the best of the pre-Models. Only thing better would be a 5".

Dave

Dave,
If Tom will allow me this one little highjack of his thread...

I really need a 4" 1950 HE 4th Change in the remuda...
But for now I guess this ol' 5" pre-model number 44 Special will just have to do.
S978XX - Shipped 12-18-52 as a 5 inch w/ blue finish - engraved by Jim Russell - Harlington, Tex.

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[rburg]

Looks all scratched up to me.

 

[keith44spl]

Looks all scratched up to me.

Yeah Dick,
She just about all used up,



Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[rburg]

Some ole hillbilly taught the technique of skittering a handgun across a concrete parking lot. If you do it just right, it kind of spins as it goes. Makes all kinds of curlycue shaped scratches. It takes some time because you've got to toss it any number of times, on both sides. I've heard you can do it on a big flat rock in a stream bed, but its got to be done at the dry time of the year. I even heard a while back some good ole boy caught someone doin' that with his favorite gun. He up and kilt the fool, put him in his grave, and ever since folks spinin' guns on pavement have been called "en-grave'ers". Cause anyone up and catches you, they'll put you in your grave.

 

[medxam]

CLASSIC BURG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Many thanks Dick.

medxam

 

[Farmboy]

Nah, Dick the best and quickest way is to stick one in your beltline and then lose it at 125+ on a motorcycle. I did that with a brand new nickel 57-2 4 inch and it engraved it nicely. But to be truthful it should have had several more passes for full coverage.

BR

 

[rburg]

But to be truthful it should have had several more passes for full coverage.

BR

That's how they came up with "A", "B", and "C" coverage.

 

[bmg60]

1950 model 44 Target,

hi
I guess I will have to add to this thread.
Below is the factory letter and the picture of the only
bright Blue 5 Inch Target That letters that way in all my years of collecting. it is in my collection.
Shipped in 1955 and is all orginal in 98% condition.
Enjoy the pictures.
jim

 

[SLT223]

That's a rare piece in top condition. I definately like that.

 

[BUFF]

My 5 inch 1950 Target has the bright blue finish, too. I lettered it in 1996, but Roy's letter doesn't indicate what the finish was when it left the factory, just that it was shipped in February, 1952 to the Salt Lake Hardware Co. in SLC, UT and that the 5 inch barrel is original.

I wonder if a new letter would have any more information, such as the stocks and sights.

I haven't lettered my 4 incher yet. It came to me with smooth rosewood target stocks.

I gotta get a camera...