Pictured below is a 1950 Target in 44 Special that was shipped in January 1956. The Bright Blue finish is original. The barrel has been shortened to 5" and the trigger polished smooth. It has a Target Hammer and modern Target Stocks. There is some blue wear as shown in the pictures. It doesn't appear to have been shot very much and I have only shot it a couple of times. It shoots very well and the sights are right on. Price is $925 shipped.
Just for my information ... why do you say the barrel has been shortened to 5"? I don't know much when I'm looking at these guns, but most of the time I thought the roll mark should be roughly centered.
Thanks, Neal