This is my first post on this forum. So feel free to let me know if i am posting something not according to the rules. I aquired a pistol. It looks like it says 26-2 on the crane of the pistol. Stamping isnt real clear. Says "model of 1950" 45cal on the barrel that when measured it is 5". The only thing that doesnt make sense to me is that it has a "N" prefix serial #. I thought anything before 1969 should have an "S" serial #. I have searched the internet for days in 26-2 info. If it wouldnt say in blue book that they made an -2 change i would think someone tried to rebarrel a 28-2.

Welcome! Photos would help here, but most likely you have a model 25-2 with the "5" appearing to be a 6. A certain small number of these were mis-stamped "model of 1950" by the factory; the two models are easy to distinguish because the 1950 has a tapered barrel and the 1955 (model 25) has an untapered one. If you measure from the cylinder face to the muzzle you'll probably find it is a 6" barrel.

Also, the reason you have not been able to find information on the model 26-2 is that is doesn't exist...the last model 26 variation made was the -1 for a Georgia State Patrol commemorative. Finally, the 1950/1955 name only refers to the year it was introduced, not the year of production. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I may be mistaken, but you may have a rare item. Your gun could easily have been made in the mid to late 1960's. The model marked 26's are pretty uncommon and I've never seen a 26-2.

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Randy
Provenance nerd

I will try and get some pics posted soon. I have looked in 3 gun value books and it talked about a -2 variation change in 1964.

Smith and wesson 26-2

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Picture 26-2

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Looks like it has two cylinders. I bet one of them is 45 Colt and one is 45 ACP. Nice gun, can you post a picture of where it says "26-2"?

You are correct. 45 auto cylinder has the last 3 of the serial # on it. The 45 colt has nothing on it.

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This is pure speculation, but I think you have a model 25-3, which was the S & W 125th anniversary commemorative with a shorter than usual .45 Colt cylinder, and an earlier 1950 .45 Target barrel was installed. The blue on the frame and barrel in your last photo are different shades, suggesting the parts were from different guns. The factory may have fitted a spare .45 ACP cylinder.

If you can post a photo of the muzzle crown, the numbers on the ACP cylinder, and the top of the forward top strap where the barrel threads in, there may be clues there as to if it was modified.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I think it's a highly modified, custom built gun.

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No life story has happy end.

I will get more pictures when i get back to the house tonight. What do u think of the model stamp 26-2?? Under a magnifying glass it doesnt look to have been ultered. I think it was the light in person the blueing looks identical to me. I attached a picture of the value book that shows the 26-2 variation.

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Looks good to me, regardless of Model #.

Kevin

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What SP said. I'd still get it lettered.

Here's my non-expert opinion.

The Model 26 was a target grade 45 ACP revolver with a 6.5" tapered barrel. Called the Model of 1950.

The same gun with a heavy barrel was the Model 25 called the Model of 1955.

I am unaware of either version being offered with a barrel less than 6.5" in length.

I am not sure a 26-2 was ever made as they stopped making them around the time the -2 came out and they were slow sellers. Very rare if there are any and all would have an S serial prefix. The N serial and the fact that the model numbers looks over-stamped to me suggests...as I said earlier...that this gun is a custom job. The presence of an axillary cylinder in a different caliber (not to mention the engraving) confirms that serious custom work was done to this gun.

I suspect it started as a 25-2 and a 1950 barrel was cut to 5", the model number was re-stamped and the work was done to make the two interchangeable cylinders. Many ask about doing this to a 25, and it can be done if one is willing to spend an insane amount of money on the project. Most folks are not, but apparently a previous owner of this revolver had deep pockets.

It's an interesting revolver. Would be fun to own and shoot. Probably can't sell it for anywhere near what it cost to build it.

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No life story has happy end.

The N prefix didn't start until 1969. The "26-2" seems pretty clearly stamped however.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I want to first thank everyone for the expertise. In the value book it does list that the 4&5 inch are very rare. Writing on the barrel is centered. I would guess if someone knocked 1 1/2 inch off the end of the barrel roll marks would be off center by a long way. I just am trying to figure out what it is for sure incase i ever decide to sell it. I just want to be honest and not misrepresent it. I can't tell anywhere when they totally discontunuied the -2. It says the 26 dc in 1961. Then it lists the -2 change in 1961. Then if u search the 26-1 georgia state patrol it lists that 1989 with a 3 letter prefix.

If I had that gun and thought I might one day sell it I would get it lettered. It will cost you $50 but if it comes back as something special it will be well worth it in the long run. MHO.

The N serial number would put it around 1970, matching the -2 era.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

It looks to me like the 6 and the second 2 have been re-stamped. Those numbers are more deeply imprinted and you can see the remnants of prior numbers around them.
Look closely at the 6 and you can easily envision a 5 under it.

The 25-2 would have been a 45 ACP and that's why the ACP cylinder is numbered to the gun and the colt is not.

But of course, my opinion and 5 cents will get you a nickel.

I like the engraving - nice gun either way.

I think you're right...

It is very possible it could have been restamped. But in person the stamping looks very sharp and clear. I drive truck and didnt make it home last night to get the pics posted of the muzzle crown. And cylinder. I have started filling the paperwork out to send to get it lettered as well. Thanks everyone for the input.

Well. Got to the bottom of it with some assistance from a s&w enthusiast. That pistol was shipped from the factory as a 28-2 according to the serial #. Someone spent alot of money on the customization i would imagine. Now that i know its not something that is worth a ton of money i have myself a new fancy pack gun. It will shoot as good as any of my other targt pistols. Hahahaha

Congrats on learning what it is/was and also the gun.
Either way it's a nice piece.

I converted a 28-2 to handle the 45 ACP back int he 80s. I am now looking to have it engraved. You have got my grail revolver! Glad you found out what it is, now, go shoot the heck out of it.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Actually, several of the folks who post here are S&W enthusiasts. Some of them even own a Supica & Nahas.

I think that it is highly suspicious that it is marked 26-2 and has a tapered barrel that "says "model of 1950" 45cal on the barrel." Almost makes you think that the barrel came with the gun.

The serial number hints at when it was shipped, not what it was shipped as. All those N frames were numbered in the same series.

If it were mine I'd letter it. It might be worth quite a few hundred or more dollars if you ever sell it.

The serial number hints at when it was shipped, not what it was shipped as. All those N frames were numbered in the same series.

I agree - although it does seem to have the "matt blue" finish as a 28.

Who knows - you have me stumped

OK! A very interesting gun at the least and one I'd be happy to own! But here in this Thread and some others I find a detective story resplendent with forensic inferences. Just as interesting to me and the Thread itself! The "process" equaling the "product"!
Just an 'outside the box' focused...

My take

(And now on to the next 'Who done it'!)

It is interesting to say the least. I wish i knew who did the conversion because it is done extreamely well. It sounds like a guy by the name of leo ferguson from lubbock tx did the engraving as far as i can find out.

Have you ever lettered this revolver?

Kevin

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Necro

Necro

Necro

DOA

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