I have been told this revolver is a Pre-Model 50, a Pre Model 36,a Pre Model 14 or 15, and others. I have not yet sent off the letter to S&W to get to the bottom of it, but probably will invest the $50. In the meantime, any opinions ? Idea of value ? I purchased it from a private seller in 1969, and carried it off and on for years as a detective. The wooden grips are original and have the gun's serial number stamped on the inside of the grips. Thanks.
Help Identifying This Revolver
- Thread starter Marine0811
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Alk8944
US Veteran
It is a "Chief's Special Target". When model numbers were assigned it would become the Model 50.
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Welcome! Its official name is a .38 Chiefs Special Target. If you click on Search near the top of the home page and use the Search Site/Google function with this search phrase you will find several good threads about it. It is an early one, from the mid-1950s. Hope this is helpful.
You have a Chief target made 1959-1962. Mine (#150019) shipped in May, 1960. The first run of about 115 made 1955-1956 are called Chiefs Special targets. The second run of about 425 (yours and mine) are often called Model 36 targets, although not all are stamped with the model number. A later run of about 1000 was produced in 1966, and either 568 or 1132 model 50 marked Chiefs targets were made in 1973. Note - different sources give different numbers.
Bob
Bob
