1950 44 Target 5 inch, authenticity letter arrived!

Casual Smith Nut · #1 02-09-2024, 01:11 PM

Super excited. I ran across this 1950 44 Target 5 inch online and pulled the trigger on it. Comes from reputable outfit so not worried on legitimacy. No box or docs unfortunately. I’ve needed to letter another gun for a long time and never did. This one will give me good reason when it arrives. I’ll attach the online photos. My understanding is that there weren’t many of the 5 incher 1950 44 Target models. I’ve never been a “collector” but I couldn’t say no at the asking price. Even still I’ll need to sell off some other guns to help offset the cost.

Casual Smith Nut · #2 02-09-2024, 01:11 PM

One additional photo…

bigmtnman · #3 02-09-2024, 01:24 PM

That one makes my heart skip a beat ......

Truckman · #4 02-09-2024, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigmtnman

That one makes my heart skip a beat ......

And mine...As close as I've come is one that was cut at the factory from a 6 1/2" to be shipped as a 5" then went back to the factory to become a 3 1/2"...But the box is still labeled as a 5"...

...Ben

TJm15.38 · #5 02-09-2024, 02:10 PM

A thing of pure beauty. Nice catch!

T44spl · #6 02-09-2024, 02:18 PM

Looks great, hope this letters as right. I'm sure it will handle well in the 5" barrel length once in hand. Nice find, for some fellas here this is a grail gun. We all share in your enthusiasm.

Casual Smith Nut · #7 02-09-2024, 02:24 PM

My thoughts also. I hope the letter confirms it as a legit 5 inch rather than a chopped 6.5… though I guess I wouldn’t cry too hard at it. We’ll see. I’m thinking I should be able to take delivery next week assuming it ships in a timely manner.

huthike · #8 02-09-2024, 02:27 PM

Oooooohhhhh…pretty. Thanks for sharing.

Green Frog · #9 02-09-2024, 02:28 PM

I don’t have much of a desire for ANY N frame, but if that one came by, I don’t think I could have resisted it either! It should make a great addition to your Arsenal.
Froggie

StrawHat · #10 02-09-2024, 02:31 PM

Glad you found it! It looks great.

Kevin

StrawHat · #11 02-09-2024, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truckman

And mine...As close as I've come is one that was cut at the factory from a 6 1/2" to be shipped as a 5" then went back to the factory to become a 3 1/2"...But the box is still labeled as a 5"...

...Ben

I might have a 1 1/2” barrel stub laying around if you need it to match the box.

Kevin

mchom · #12 02-09-2024, 02:51 PM

CSN
Oh man
I’m an amateur but that sure looks legit to me. Can’t wait to see what letter says!
Congratulations!!!

Truckman · #13 02-09-2024, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casual Smith Nut

My thoughts also. I hope the letter confirms it as a legit 5 inch rather than a chopped 6.5… though I guess I wouldn’t cry too hard at it.

Maybe like mine it will letter as both, or in my case as all three...

...Ben

My thanks to Don Mundell...-img_1707-jpg

Truckman · #14 02-09-2024, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrawHat

I might have a 1 1/2” barrel stub laying around if you need it to match the box.

Kevin

Well, if you're sure the ends will line up OK when we weld it back on, Kevin...

...Ben

Casual Smith Nut · #15 02-09-2024, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrawHat

I might have a 1 1/2” barrel stub laying around if you need it to match the box.

Kevin

I laughed pretty hard when I read that…

StrawHat · #16 02-09-2024, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truckman

Well, if you're sure the ends will line up OK when we weld it back on, Kevin...

...Ben

That’s the best part, I have some 36 caliber barrels! Weld them on and then chase the rifling. It has to match!

Kevin

(Apologies to Casual Smith Nut for the drift.)

AC Man · #17 02-10-2024, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Frog

I don’t have much of a desire for ANY N frame, but if that one came by, I don’t think I could have resisted it either! It should make a great addition to your Arsenal.
Froggie

That's funny, as a collector I am all in on N frames. Unfortunately so are the buyers/sellers on the internet killing me on the high prices.

Engine49guy · #18 02-11-2024, 02:52 AM

Once in a blue moon a four inch pops up but the 5" is rare as hens teeth.....
Put me down as JEALOUS!

Casual Smith Nut · #19 02-11-2024, 10:21 AM

We’ll know for sure when it arrives and I can send to get it lettered.

Doc44 · #20 02-11-2024, 10:54 AM

A search of S&W's records a couple of years ago indicated the number of 1950 44 Targets with a 5-inch barrel at 61, so a rare revolver, indeed. The number with a 4-inch barrel was estimated at 411.

Bill

Truckman · #21 02-11-2024, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc44

A search of S&W's records a couple of years ago indicated the number of 1950 44 Targets with a 5-inch barrel at 61, so a rare revolver, indeed.

And at least one of those shipped as a 5" is known to now reside in my safe as a 3 1/2" bringing the searchable number down to 60...

...Ben

1950 44 Target 5 inch, authenticity letter arrived!-img_1761-jpg

treysl78 · #22 02-11-2024, 10:03 PM

I tried to call on that revolver, but you beat me to it. If you would have been a little later, it would be mine. Good find and good price whether it letters or not.

SGT ROCK 11B · #23 02-11-2024, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casual Smith Nut

Super excited. I ran across this 1950 44 Target 5 inch

Great revolver and thank you for sharing.

Casual Smith Nut · #24 02-12-2024, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treysl78

I tried to call on that revolver, but you beat me to it. If you would have been a little later, it would be mine. Good find and good price whether it letters or not.

Hey if you ever pass through GA from LA lemme know and we can arrange a meet. I haven’t received notification that it’s shipped yet but hopefully it does in next few days. Yes my thought also was it was still priced good even if it doesn’t letter as a fiver. If it does though all the better.

BaylorCattleGuy · #25 02-12-2024, 11:42 AM

Nice grab. What a beauty.

Casual Smith Nut · #26 02-14-2024, 03:59 PM

Picked it up today and snapped a few pics before going back to work. I did take time to remove the magnas. They’re stamped with matching serial number. I’ll take better photos at home late this evening. Finish looks more glossy than the more usual satin. The stamp in the ejector rod housing edge near the frame seems like a small circle but maybe that designates glossy finish.

Drm50 · #27 02-14-2024, 04:07 PM

I think the perfect N is 5” tapered barrel. Maybe not for target range but that’s what feels best to me in field.

Wyatt Burp · #28 02-14-2024, 08:45 PM

If I recall correctly Skeeter Skelton said he had his first 1950 pre 24 cut down to 5”, probably by the factory. Maybe one of you here who owns a 5 incher owns that very gun. But there’s probably no way to ever really know.

StrawHat · #29 02-14-2024, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wyatt Burp

If I recall correctly Skeeter Skelton said he had his first 1950 pre 24 cut down to 5”, probably by the factory. Maybe one of you here who owns a 5 incher owns that very gun. But there’s probably no way to ever really know.

Hey Matt,

Look at this,

And,

Not sure who has it, not me, maybe it is in his son Bart’s estate?

Kevin

S&W ucla · #30 02-14-2024, 09:35 PM

You picked up a really fine piece, hopefully it will letter. Great gun either way!
Elmer Keith had a 5" 44 target. His son Ted is seen shooting it in Sixguns. I saw it in Cabela's display out in Boise years ago.

Casual Smith Nut · #31 02-14-2024, 11:07 PM

As some have mentioned the 5 barrel balance really is nice. Here’s some kitchen table top photos with different backgrounds. I tried to show quite a few where the front sight rides on on the top of the barrel. Aside from a small scuff on the cylinder and a small spot on the trigger guard, this gun is in really nice shape. The photos make the spots seem worse than they really are. The cylinder thumb latch is a little stiff probably from lack of use and old dried gun oil. I normally would open a new (old) gun and clean it out but not this one. I’ll be requesting a letter and will post an update when I have it. It’s definitely a special gun.

Casual Smith Nut · #32 02-14-2024, 11:09 PM

More pics of the 1950 44 target

Casual Smith Nut · #33 02-14-2024, 11:11 PM

Another set of pics

Casual Smith Nut · #34 02-14-2024, 11:12 PM

Sorry they’re turned this way and that. They’re definitely oriented normally on my phone. Oh well.

Casual Smith Nut · #35 03-04-2024, 03:20 PM

Factory letter of authenticity arrived yesterday. I have to say I’m bummed it didn’t letter as shipping with 5 inch barrel. The letter states it shipped Nov 15, 1955 with 4 inch barrel and checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks (rather than magnas on the gun as I received it.) I requested the additional records research for historical letter. Michael Helms let me know in email that the only thing they could locate given the current data available is the original invoice. He said:

“The invoice clearly shows the gun as having a 6.5” barrel and rosewood stocks (at an extra cost of $5.04). The magnas in the photo have a different serial number, so I’m thinking they were just swapped on from another gun.”

This is puzzling since the authenticity letter states 4 inch barrel and checkered Goncalo Alves whereas the invoice states 6.5 inch barrel and rosewood stocks. I’m not convinced the stocks on the gun currently didn’t somehow come from the factory intended for the gun since they don’t appear altered and are fit very well. I’m going to request a copy of the invoice to have a look at it. Maybe an additional 6.5 inch barrel was ordered and then cut down by the factory undocumented or by someone outside of the factory?

I called S&W customer service to ask if they had record at all of the gun going back to the factory for service/modifications. The rep said not that he could see based on quick serial search. It was worth a shot asking.

I can see on the barrel between the rib and the sight that there is a line indicating sight as separate piece. That may be normal or may indicate a cut down 6.5 to 5 inch job. Maybe someone with more knowledge and an example on hand can weigh in on that. I’ll post photos of the front barrel and sight and the magna stocks along with couple more good daylight photos of the gun. The grip frame shows no stamp indicating return to factory.

Casual Smith Nut · #36 03-04-2024, 03:22 PM

Photos of the gun and grip frame.

Casual Smith Nut · #37 03-04-2024, 03:24 PM

Also heres the letter.

Edit… sorry it shows up sideways!

Casual Smith Nut · #38 03-04-2024, 03:27 PM

Try this one.

Truckman · #39 03-04-2024, 04:01 PM

This might work a little better...

1950 44 Target 5 inch, authenticity letter arrived!-img_3266-jpg

One of my Models of 1950 .44 Target lettered as having been cut from a 6.5" barrel to 5" to satisfy a customer order...There was an extra charge for the service...

...Ben

Casual Smith Nut · #40 03-04-2024, 04:44 PM

Well hold the phone! One of the S&W Historical Foundation folks sent a message to me saying I might have been given incorrect info based on his research. A new letter should be forthcoming whenever it’s completed and mailed out. I’ll post updates when I have them. There’s hope yet!

22hipower · #41 03-04-2024, 04:51 PM

Yes, better hope the 4 inch part was in a previous template and they meant to make it 5 inch or just fat fingered the 5 to a 4. Seems likely, hope so. And you'll need some GA checkered diamond target stocks too although that would appear to be in error as well as your magnas have the correct SN stamped if I'm making it out correctly.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

moosedog · #42 03-04-2024, 05:16 PM

Beautiful. Five inch is the perfect length for a revolver in my world.

Nightowl · #43 03-04-2024, 08:08 PM

Whether or not it will letter, it looks righteous! Actually, if it were mine, I don't think I would worry about it much, as it looks great and it's a 5 inch barrel, .44 Special!! To me, the front sight looks factory, the pins are polished flat and blued, does not look refinished. Find a good load and shoot it a lot!!

As much as it looks original, I would take the records, whichever ones are finally settled on, with a grain of salt!! Wouldn't be the first time the records fail to match the gun!

RON K. · #44 03-04-2024, 08:29 PM

C.S.N. NO MATTER WHAT THE LETTER MAY SAY. You have a classic piece of Smith &Wesson history there, i have collected and bought and sold guns for over 50 years. now.and had a few historic guns. St Valentines Day Massacre.. DILLINGER BANK ROBBERY.Mason city. iowa March 1934.and a few movie guns.all great stuff. so when you get something like that Cherish it for the workmanship and the history.

and that you made a wise decision to purchase i. i hope you get to enjoy it for many many years ahead. RON K.

Shotguncoach · #45 03-04-2024, 11:50 PM

59 left out in the wild....I think I have a new life goal now.

When do we get a range report?

Casual Smith Nut · #46 03-05-2024, 12:12 AM

It’s in really good shape. Can’t say that it hasn’t been fired but it sure doesn’t look like much if it had. It’s been cycled some since I can attest to that. This is going to be one of those tough ones to decide what to do with it. In the past I’ve had a hard time keeping something that I don’t shoot regularly. In this case I’m also going to have a hard time shooting something potentially quite valuable. I know guns are meant to be shot, and I usually take a more practical view towards them…thus try not to “collect.” It’s a hard position to maintain LOL. I’ve owned some scarce guns in the past but usually passed them on to another collector and let him decide if he wants to shoot or keep a safe queen. We’ll see how this one goes. The 5 inch balance has definitely grown on me some and has reminded me how much I like shooting my post war 5 inch 38 m&p. Long winded answer to the range report question.

raljr1 · #47 03-05-2024, 11:50 AM

It has a turn line, albeit faint. Shoot it to your hearts content. They way you maintain your guns, it wont lose any real value. It is still a scarce piece and will always be collectible. IMHO.

Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

mchom · #48 03-05-2024, 01:38 PM

Exciting and beautiful revolver. I’m anxiously awaiting to hear.

RON K. · #49 03-09-2024, 03:50 AM

Let me add this for you in regards to the letter.Herb Harris on State St. was a Cook County Sheriffs police and Chicago Police Dept DISB for those Depts. AND WAS VERY WELL KNOW.And somehow related to the family by Marriage to someone at S&W, AND HAD GOTTEN IN MANY HANDGUNS. That had been near impossible to get. so was told by a police buddy go see him.Since when Dirty Harry was on the big screen i wanted a mod 29 6.5. blue. went to his shop introduced myself.And said i need one he goes into a massive safe. checks some sheet pulls out a shipping box. opens and puts on the counter in presentation box a new mod 29 4 inch Nickel. i say darn not a blue 6.5 he says if you want to wait a few weeks might get a few more in. I say no way i will take this one.
he proceeds to take out another a model 27. 3.5 barrel in Presentation case. i get both. Proud as a peacock.

i kept in touch over the years. sometime around 1980 i get one from a sheriffs deputy. and another fully engraved 6.5. blue also. As the decades
fly buy they get sold off. but great memories of that shop and Herb. LATER IT BECAMES ANNEXED TO THE FAMOUS TOMMY GUNS GARAGE. and i became friends with the owner Cindy.
and we had our monthly gangster meeting there. in the basement the hidden door was opened into the old shops basement test range many did not know it was ever there.

I travelled in some wild circles. when i was there.and had a number of companies.it was all great fun.and made many a connection to film industry. and a number of other businesses.so yes the H.Harris gun shop had a great history and following, maybe not as great as the V.L.&A SHOP OR PETER VON FRANZIUS.

BUT WELL KNOWN.THAT HISTORIC LETTER MEANS SOMETHING.RON K.

Casual Smith Nut · #50 04-08-2024, 06:48 PM

The letter finally arrived! It was a long wait but the 5 inch barrel configuration with magna stocks is confirmed. The long wait between the first letter and the correction letter gave me time to think over what I’m going to do with the gun. I’ve stated on this thread and others that it’s hard for me to justify keeping a gun I don’t shoot much. This one definitely falls in that category since i don’t foresee shooting it due to collector value. I’ve passed on others before this one though none as collectible as this one. I’ll likely be putting it in classifieds but wanted to bring this thread to a close with the letter arrival.