Pre model 24 4" value ?

Most likely the gun shipped in 1955. I have a pair of 1950 Target 44s that are S140000 and S143000 (so this one falls right between them) and they shipped in April and October of 1955.

Also, has anyone EVER documented a gun other than a 29 or a 57 shipping with "Cokes?" First of all I doubt any did and if there were any so equipped I suspect the letter would not prove it. Does a letter ever say "shipped with Cokes?" Seems like all they say is "shipped with target stocks."

Saxon,I hope it did ship with target stocks.I could match it up with a unnumbered pair.It would be impossible finding the correct magnas for it.Mike
 
It is the high polished blue finish not the matte blue.I think this adds alittle value to it.
All the 4" Targets I have had were bright blue. I don't recall seeing a satin blue 4".



Also, has anyone EVER documented a gun other than a 29 or a 57 shipping with "Cokes?" First of all I doubt any did and if there were any so equipped I suspect the letter would not prove it. Does a letter ever say "shipped with Cokes?" Seems like all they say is "shipped with target stocks."
I'm not sure, but Doc44 may have a gun that proves it.
If a guy ordered a gun "with grips like the 44 Magnum", I wonder if S&W would take tha money? :D
1957 AMC pic attached.
Note the "selected woods" and "special stocks" are higher than walnut.
 

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It seems that most of the 4 inch 1950 Targets I have seen came with smooth rosewood target stocks. Mine, S1183xx, did.
 
Of course anything is possible.

But I suspect the "Cokes" were intended from the start to be special to the 44 and later the 41 so I doubt they were shipped on any other models. The "special" notation in the literature may refer to the smooth style which is seen.

In any even it is highly unlikely this gun shipped with them both because I don't think S&W would install them on this model and because I believe the gun is too early being from the summer of 1955.
 
I have seen a 4" satin blue with walnut target stocks. David Carroll has on his list a 6 1/2" engraved nickel that has a variation of "cokes."

I have a 4" with smooth Goncalo Alves target stocks and a 4" pinto with smooth rosewood magnas - both letter as such.
 
If the guy did order the stocks like a 44 magnum.this very well could be a one of a kind.:rolleyes:;)

And certainly if it didn't, or even if it wasn't a factory 4", if it looks that good I'd buy it anyway. I could shoot it with a completely clean conscience and even carry it, yikes, heaven for bid! I would shoot an original 95% 4" don't get me wrong, but not much more....and couldn't enjoy it as much; oh I'd enjoy it, just not quite as much!
 
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about a year ago a 5" pre 24 sold for 2000.00 on gb.The seller was a new member of gb with no feedback.He had the gun listed as a s&w 44 special.the pre 24 was in very nice shape, I would say in the mid 90% range.I didn't have the green backs at that time to bid.Somebody got a hold of a very scarce gun cheep.:mad:
 
"...that has a variation of 'cokes.'"

What is a variation of "Cokes?" That is a new one to me.
 
And certainly if it didn't, or even if it wasn't a factory 4", if it looks that good I'd buy it anyway. I could shoot it with a completely clean conscience and even carry it, yikes, heaven for bid! I would shoot an original 95% 4" don't get me wrong, but not much more....and couldn't enjoy it as much; oh I'd enjoy it, just not quite as much!
It has some holster wear,and It will go back in one.I have a custom rig coming from David Keith that will be finished soon.The pre 24 will be toted around the farm some in the custom rig.This pro series 45 compact and colt python I use for off the farm duty.No problem getting a permit to carry in Minnesota.Shoot 10 rounds at a plastic bottle from 15 feet, pay your 50 bucks ,and your good to carry for 5 years.pro series.jpg

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No problem getting a permit to carry in Minnesota. Shoot 10 rounds at a plastic bottle from 15 feet, pay your 50 bucks ,and your good to carry for 5 years.View attachment 48005

View attachment 48010

I'm glad to hear that about Minnesota. Permit to carry is a good first step but we have a ways to go back to a true 2nd Amendment. Unalienable rights are not to be paid for.
 

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