Drool-worthy Classic M21

Lobster Picnic · Jan 9, 2013

Wow!

I saw one of these in a LGS yesterday but didn't handle it and didn't see the price. Came home to research it and it seems like a limited edition Talo, or was it one of the Classic Series, no longer offered? I'm still not clear on that. Anyway, I'd like to know more about this model. What's a good price for something like this? I believe the one I saw was new, and looked every bit as nice as the one pictured.

Avery11 · Jan 9, 2013

It's a model 21-4 "1950". Sort of an homage to the old hard hitters but not a faithful example as the purists will quickly point out.

Variations include blue, nickel, and case colored (done by Turnbull restorations for S&W) finishes in both the "1950" and "1917"-esque frames.

They were released as the 21-4 in .44 special and the 22-4 in .45 ACP.

They are in the classic series, not to be confused with the Heritage Series which, if I am not mistaken, came from the Performance center.

As far as I know, they were not well received and thus produced in relatively low numbers though many folks appreciate them for thier retro looks and high quality finish.

The "1950" was also produced as a special for Thunder Ranch and some of those bear a rather unsightly (IMO) gold TR logo.

They are excellent shooters from my experience. I own the 21 and 22 "1950"s in case color and a nickel 22 "1917. All three have stunning finishes which makes me cry every time I look at the MIM parts and lock hole.

Here is my 21-4 with a few finger prints which I've shown too many times. I haven't photographed the others - something I hope to do this winter.

I see asking prices around 1K and above on GB but they are regularly re-listed after bitd up to $900. I paid less than $600 for each...but I sure wouldn't sell them for that.

Nutshell: Functional eye candy that may someday be desireable, but I would not go so far as to call them collectable...yet.

Let us know how you make out.

A.

66Park · Jan 9, 2013

Avery11 said:

I'm not usually a fan of case colored frames, but I have to admit that is one pretty revolver!

deanodog · Jan 9, 2013

One of the last ones available after they were discontinued. I don't know why they did not sell well as they are especially nice guns with nice triggers and good bluing. They sold out at 569.00

STCM(SW) · Jan 9, 2013

Here is mine with changes.

Shoots great in SA & DA.
Grips feel better & look better to me plus "the Plug" & target trigger.

welldoya · Jan 9, 2013

I saw a blued 21-4 in a pawn shop the other day. It was in a wooden box and was a Thunder Ranch model. They wanted $799 for it which I thought was a little high.

johnnyo55 · Jan 9, 2013

Those are nice looking pieces, as long as you're not thinking you're getting a faithful reproduction of anything S&W produced previously. I don't recall S&W ever offering round butts on the large (later "N") frames prior to these issues...correct?

Lobster Picnic · Jan 9, 2013

Thanks for the quick responses. It's not often I'm knocked out by shiny objects, but the finish on this was gorgeous. Anyway, I was really in search of smaller, swifter prey and got distracted. I think I'll leave it on the shelf.

pownal55 · Jan 9, 2013

I had Turnbull do some case color work on one of my rifles, the man is an artist.

Dennis The B · Jan 9, 2013

I own these. They're great shooters, and while not true "classics", I like 'em.

dewey · Jan 9, 2013

Yes, the Heritage guns were from the Performance Center. I got mine about 2001.

YogiBear · Jan 11, 2013

Aloha,

I have a TR in 44 spl.

I like it.

Shoots comfortably

Great companion to my 396

lebomm · Jan 11, 2013

Mine's a 22-4 .45 ACP - TRR ser. prefix, but no logo. A real thumper w/heavy AR loads, and a square butt, to boot.

Larry

steamloco76 · Jan 11, 2013

I've found three of the Classics ANIB used over the past couple years. Thunder Ranch Models 22-4 and 21-4, then a 22-4 Model of 1917. I really like all three, though the TR 22-4 45 ACP is the best shooter. They would be the last of my newer S&W's to ever leave my collection.

Drool-worthy Classic M21

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