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03-24-2020, 12:24 PM
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1950 44 Target, 4, BT
This 1950 44 Target revolver with an uncataloged 4-inch barrel, bright blue finish, and red ramp was shipped on March 28, 1955 to Olympic Wholesale, Los Angeles, CA. It is one of twenty-five in the shipment and will turn 65 years on Saturday. The original stocks are smooth Goncalo alves, target type (which I have), but the stocks on it are dark birds eye maple by Keith Brown. I have shot this revolver over the years and it is fun to shoot. It is estimated just over 400 of this model with a 4-inch barrel were shipped by S&W. Click on the photo for a better look.
Bill
Last edited by Doc44; 03-24-2020 at 12:25 PM.
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03-24-2020, 12:28 PM
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Well doc, that means there are still 399 out there! So, I'm not out of luck, yet. That is a beauty!
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Last edited by quinn; 03-24-2020 at 12:29 PM.
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03-24-2020, 01:36 PM
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Channeling Elmer Keith here. Yum.
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03-24-2020, 03:35 PM
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When Bill and Richard post the like button seems so inadequate.
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03-24-2020, 03:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc44
This 1950 44 Target revolver with an uncataloged 4-inch barrel, bright blue finish, and red ramp was shipped on March 28, 1955 to Olympic Wholesale, Los Angeles, CA. It is one of twenty-five in the shipment and will turn 65 years on Saturday. The original stocks are smooth Goncalo alves, target type (which I have), but the stocks on it are dark birds eye maple by Keith Brown. I have shot this revolver over the years and it is fun to shoot. It is estimated just over 400 of this model with a 4-inch barrel were shipped by S&W. Click on the photo for a better look.
Bill
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Fantastic specimen! Thanks for sharing! Bob
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03-24-2020, 03:58 PM
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I acquired this 1950 44 Target about eight years ago. It has a TH, TT, red ramp, white outline, and Magna rosewood stocks. It came in the original box numbered to the revolver with accessories and Helpful Hints brochure. Click on the photo for a better look.
Bill
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03-24-2020, 04:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Watson
Channeling Elmer Keith here. Yum.
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And Skeeter Skelton too!!!
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03-24-2020, 06:13 PM
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That's is a beauty Mr. Cross. If S&W shipped about 400 of that model with a 4" barrel as an uncataloged variation, you would've thought they would have seen the light and added it as a standard offering !
Was it not until the Model 24-3 was released in 1983 that they made the 4" as a standard (although limited production) model ?
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03-24-2020, 07:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc44
I acquired this 1950 44 Target about eight years ago. It has a TH, TT, red ramp, white outline, and Magna rosewood stocks. It came in the original box numbered to the revolver with accessories and Helpful Hints brochure. Click on the photo for a better look.
Bill
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I like this one even better! Thanks for posting, Bill.
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03-24-2020, 09:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc44
This 1950 44 Target revolver with an uncataloged 4-inch barrel, bright blue finish, and red ramp was shipped on March 28, 1955 to Olympic Wholesale, Los Angeles, CA. It is one of twenty-five in the shipment and will turn 65 years on Saturday. The original stocks are smooth Goncalo alves, target type (which I have), but the stocks on it are dark birds eye maple by Keith Brown. I have shot this revolver over the years and it is fun to shoot. It is estimated just over 400 of this model with a 4-inch barrel were shipped by S&W. Click on the photo for a better look.
Bill
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It shipped the day before I did!
Kevin
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03-24-2020, 10:08 PM
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Y’all are just making me jealous.
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03-24-2020, 10:09 PM
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Wanted one for 40 years. Have yet to see one in person. Just as well. Couldn't afford it anyway.
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03-24-2020, 10:13 PM
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I believe the late Skeeter Skelton had one of these he carried as a LE professional back in the 1950s. He praised the 44 Special cartridge for the rest of his days and his writings in "Shooting Times" clearly influenced S&W to reintroduce the Model 24-3 in the early 80s.
It is so nice to see these spectacular originals. Thank you for sharing.
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03-24-2020, 11:07 PM
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Some beautiful guns here! Mine w/o box or paperwork! Back in the Pleistocene Era, before Internet of super collector websites, just doing the gun show stroll. Liking the 44 Spl chambering & picked this one up. More recently questioning its originality based on somewhat offset barrel markings. Delighted to see the super-specimens here with same offset!
Mine SN S118060. Any 'pro' opinions as to original/not, appreciated! Pix below.
Thanks again for the nifty display of some real honeys!
Best!
John
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03-25-2020, 08:33 AM
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S118060 looks correct to me. I assume the serial number is stamped in the extractor rod shroud. My two 44s also have a B stamped in the shroud. I would definitely letter your 1950 44 Target.
Bill
Last edited by Doc44; 03-25-2020 at 08:48 AM.
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03-25-2020, 01:48 PM
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Here's mine. No box, tools, or original stocks but a fine, fine shooter. All I know about it for certain is that the previous owner had really big hands!
I suppose I should letter it one of these days.
Scott
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03-25-2020, 02:10 PM
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Thanks for sharing, definitely a grail piece for me. I keep hoping someone I know will find one in their uncle's sock drawer and be kind enough to call me first.
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03-25-2020, 03:35 PM
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This may help those that are not sure if their gun is an original factory shipped 4 inch barrel. This one shipped in April 1953 with a 6 1/2" barrel. It was sent back in 1958 by the original owner to have it cut down to 4". No proud pins . There are dingbats on the caliber stamping on the right side of the barrel. More info at this thread. Model of 1950 .44 Special Target with documents
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03-25-2020, 04:48 PM
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Bill's photos for his last two posts are not showing on my computer. Any reasons why?
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03-26-2020, 08:04 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CScott
Here's mine. No box, tools, or original stocks but a fine, fine shooter. All I know about it for certain is that the previous owner had really big hands!
I suppose I should letter it one of these days.
Scott
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Yes, those are big stocks! I tried them on a N frame, then sold them. I believe they are Herrett Jordan Troopers. Bob
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03-26-2020, 03:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wetdog
This may help those that are not sure if their gun is an original factory shipped 4 inch barrel. This one shipped in April 1953 with a 6 1/2" barrel. It was sent back in 1958 by the original owner to have it cut down to 4". No proud pins . There are dingbats on the caliber stamping on the right side of the barrel. More info at this thread. Model of 1950 .44 Special Target with documents
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So you think the dingbats were added when the barrel was shortened? Possibly to match the style at the time the work was done? How does this help to determine originality of 4" barrel?
Mine is #100053, no dingbats, as seen in post above.
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03-26-2020, 03:42 PM
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Not sure about that. I don't know the process of how the barrel is cut. I thought that is was made with them but I'm not seeing them on other guns. The barrel has a diamond stamped in the shroud after the serial number.
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03-26-2020, 03:50 PM
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The shortened barrel on the 44 Target is an early one (as evidenced by the dingbats). I had a 44 Target shipped early with a barrel also roll marked with dingbats. I think the barrel also has an extractor rod shroud machined to accept a rod with a large knob. Also, notice the earlier type of ampersand on the left side of the barrel.
Bill
Last edited by Doc44; 03-26-2020 at 03:53 PM.
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03-26-2020, 06:11 PM
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Thanks for the info Bill. I had forgot the ampersand.
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03-27-2020, 09:49 PM
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What does the BT mean?
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03-27-2020, 10:13 PM
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Those are some wonderful revolvers.
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03-28-2020, 08:57 AM
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BT stands for bright blue finish. It was a standard abbreviation used by S&W.
Bill
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03-28-2020, 06:08 PM
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About lettering, my experience. My last letter of two, getting back happily if not any spectacular news. But with additional comment. They were "now charging $15" per letter; MR. Jinks had kindly waived. Conjuring my guns, finances and the two marginally interesting returns, deciding... Not. None since, but IF at $15 now likely to seriously reconsider!
Story true, humor coincidental to times.
Best! Stay safe!
John
Last edited by iskra; 03-28-2020 at 06:12 PM.
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03-29-2020, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by series guy
When Bill and Richard post the like button seems so inadequate.
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What we need is an "staggeringly jealous" button when this kind of display arrives.
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04-05-2020, 11:13 PM
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I owned several 4" 1950 Targets when I was collecting. All of them were always full target with bright blue finish. I have only seen 1 that was standard blue with magnas and standard trigger and hammer. Wish I had bought it.
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04-06-2020, 12:24 AM
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WOW, and I thought my 24-3 was nice. Not even in the same ball park.
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