1955 .45 Target Model Heavy Barrel Question

Larrymcc1 · #1 03-14-2009, 05:33 PM

I recently acquired a 1955 .45 Target Model (Heavy Barrel) Pre-Model 25 S/N 1556XX that I am not sure of. Looking in the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson it reports that around 15 were made in .45 Colt. Looking at the barrel rollmarks it appears that it was a 6 1/2" barrel that was cut down to a 4" at some time. I am looking for a source to bring it back to it's original condition. A barrel source, or a gunsmith who could do the job. Thank's in advance.

Larrymcc1 · #2 03-14-2009, 05:33 PM

I recently acquired a 1955 .45 Target Model (Heavy Barrel) Pre-Model 25 S/N 1556XX that I am not sure of. Looking in the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson it reports that around 15 were made in .45 Colt. Looking at the barrel rollmarks it appears that it was a 6 1/2" barrel that was cut down to a 4" at some time. I am looking for a source to bring it back to it's original condition. A barrel source, or a gunsmith who could do the job. Thank's in advance.

Art Doc · #3 03-14-2009, 07:53 PM

You would have to find a used barrel. May be tough for this model. After buying the barrel and paying a smith to install it you will have spent more than the gun is worth since it's no longer original. I would either keep it as a shooter or sell it and look for an unaltered one if you want an original as this one will never be original again.

Do you think there's a good chance you got one of the 15? Is it in 45 Colt caliber? I think all the 45 ACP models are simply stamped "45 cal" on the barrel.

Jim Kalsem · #4 03-14-2009, 10:14 PM

If you need a barrel better hurry. I think this is what you may be looking for. It is listed on Gunbroker right now, auction # 124699770 in case the link does not work.
http://v4.beta.gunbroker.com/A....aspx?Item=124699770

Hondo44 · #5 03-14-2009, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Larrymcc1:
I recently acquired a 1955 .45 Target Model (Heavy Barrel) Pre-Model 25 S/N 1556XX that I am not sure of. Looking in the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson it reports that around 15 were made in .45 Colt. Looking at the barrel rollmarks it appears that it was a 6 1/2" barrel that was cut down to a 4" at some time. I am looking for a source to bring it back to it's original condition. A barrel source, or a gunsmith who could do the job. Thank's in advance.

Larry,
Please keep me in mind as a buyer for the 4" if you complete the project.
Thanks,
Jim

29aholic · #6 03-14-2009, 11:56 PM

Keith44spl has a bbl and cylinder for a 25 45 acp...you might email him

Hondo44 · #7 03-15-2009, 12:28 AM

Curtis,

Thanks! I'll check it out.

Jim
S&WCA # 819

BruceM · #8 03-15-2009, 06:36 AM

Depending on how anal you want to get on the restoration, I thing you'll need a "lazy aspersand" Smith & Wesson logo rollmark on the barrel. That can make things really interesting. See the photo of the left hand side of the barrel in this thread:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/e...540103904/m/41610211

Bruce