1950 44 Target 5 inch, authenticity letter arrived!

[Casual Smith Nut]

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]

One additional photo…

 

[bigmtnman]

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

 

[Truckman]

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]

A thing of pure beauty. Nice catch!

 

[T44spl]

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]

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]

Oooooohhhhh…pretty. Thanks for sharing.

 

[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

 

[StrawHat]

Glad you found it! It looks great.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

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]

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

 

[Truckman]

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

 

[Truckman]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[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. The number with a 4-inch barrel was estimated at 411.

Bill