S&W Model 50

[#1Pawpaw]

I'm confused about Model 50 serial numbers. I understand that there were 568 units manufactured in 1973 in a specific range of 930J45-936J19. Were there others in addition to these in the normal serial range starting at J100000 per SCS&W for 1973-74?

 

[murphydog]

There is specific information about the non-model and model stamped Chiefs Special Targets. I recall the model 50s were made in that SN range but similar guns were made at other times but not stamped the same.

 

[#1Pawpaw]

The gun I'm looking at is stamped Model 50. The serial number indicates it's a 1973-74 manufacture. But the serial is not in the range of the 568 units. My question is, were there others in that year?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I'm confused about Model 50 serial numbers.

It's easy to get confused about the Model 50.

Mine is from the roving J serial series you mention.

Dr. Jinks' book has more details than the SCSW, but it's still
easy to get confused. He says S&W developed the Model 50 in
1965, but in his letter for my Model 50 Dr. Jinks says 1962 was
the year. He adds total Model 50 production was 1,132. I've
never seen one outside the range you mentioned, and Dr. Jinks
says 20 of those "did not ship."

Still in 1966 the company made more than 1,000 Chiefs Special
Target models stamped Model 36.

Best not to lose sleep over it. If we ever see one outside the
known serial range we can begin altering our thinking.

Every thread needs photos.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

The gun I'm looking at is stamped Model 50. The serial number indicates it's a 1973-74 manufacture. But the serial is not in the range of the 568 units. My question is, were there others in that year?

What is the serial number of the one you're looking at?

 

[#1Pawpaw]

The serial # is J160XXX. Appears to be in original box showing Model 50.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Thanks.

Yes, I just found it.

Appears legit.

Wonders will never cease!

 

[#1Pawpaw]

Thank you! I thought so too.

 

[H Richard]

It's always good to be cautious, as they have been "faked", by taking a pre-36, (or a 36) and milling the top and fitting target sights. I had a 36-1 marked Target, which wouldn't letter, Roy said shipped as a regular 36-1.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

It would take quite some expertise to fake the MOD. 50 stamped
on the frame in the yoke cut.

 

[colt_saa]

My CST Model 50 is also in the floating J serial number block

 

[colt_saa]

It's always good to be cautious, as they have been "faked", by taking a pre-36, (or a 36) and milling the top and fitting target sights. I had a 36-1 marked Target, which wouldn't letter, Roy said shipped as a regular 36-1.

The 3" 36-1 CSTs hade a different front sight than what is pictured