1950 Target .45 (pre 26); Original 5 inch? (updated)

[22hipower]

Would be great if this is an original 5 inch but there weren't many of those so the odds are slim. The finish, typical satin finish from the period, looks good enough to be original to me but I've been wrong before.

I can't tell by comparing the barrel to my 6.5 inch but perhaps someone here can.

There are no stamps indicating a return to the factory. The SNs match in the right places.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qn5RQN https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2qn7wBB https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2qn9ZGK https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2qn7wzH https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2qndrU3 https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2qn7foc https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2qndq8N https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[Doc44]

H. H. Harris in Chicago, IL was shipped eight 1950 45 Target revolvers with a 5-inch barrel, ramp front sight, standard hammer and trigger, and walnut target stocks (no relieved area on the left stock panel) on August 8, 1960. Each has a serial number in the S146000 range. I had one of these in my collection and another one that was engraved and inlaid with gold by Kurt Jaeger. Serial number was S146525. Sorry, but no photos.

The domed windage adjustment screw on the revolver with the red ramp indicates the rear sight blade was most likely replaced at some point. Perhaps with a white outline?

Bill

 

[22hipower]

H. H. Harris in Chicago, IL was shipped eight 1950 45 Target revolvers with a 5-inch barrel, ramp front sight, standard hammer and trigger, and walnut target stocks (no relieved area on the left stock panel) on August 8, 1960. Each has a serial number in the S146000 range. I had one of these in my collection and another one that was engraved and inlaid with gold by Kurt Jaeger. Serial number was S146525. Sorry, but no photos.

The domed windage adjustment screw on the revolver with the red ramp indicates the rear sight blade was most likely replaced at some point. Perhaps with a white outline?

Bill

Correct, the rear sight blade does have a white outline. SN on this one is S124191.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Hoosier45]

Looks like factory work. The red ramp is a plus but i think original shipped 1950s were a regular ramp so perhaps a conversion. The 5" 1955s had a red ramp if memory serves. Here's mine:

 

[StrawHat]

One way to find out, ask Roy or Don!

Kevin

 

[22hipower]

A little more mystery on this one. It left the factory in 1955 as a 6.5 inch, no surprise there. However, in looking it over relative to another cut barrel question in a different post, I noticed a <> stamp in the shroud. But there is no service stamp/date on the frame. Would the factory have changed the barrel and stamped the new barrel with the SN and the <> without adding a service date stamp on the frame?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2quXcwJ https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[Doc44]

Sometimes S&W did not stamp a month/year code on the frame. Not sure why. The crowned windage screw was first used in January 1959 so it is likely the work on your revolver was done in 59 or later. The diamond stamped in the shroud indicates a modified or replacement part. Probably the former in your case. The work would have also included fitting the red ramp and base to the barrel rib and installing the white outline rear sight blade. The target trigger would also be an addition. I looked up the serial number in S&W's records but did not find any documents concerning repair or reblue.

Should make a great shooter and is a neat gun to have.

Bill

 

[RON K.]

All you need is one TO BE IN THE 50/55 CLUB. so you are in. Be happy. And you have a nice one to shoot if you decide. RON K.

 

[HappyHunter]

Absolutely adore older 5 inch N frames.

This reminds me of an old post of mine in which I fell into a rare one. The kind folks on this forum helped me confirm a one of nine, 5 inch model of 1950!

One of these days I will sell it to a worthy collector.

Fred
aka: HappyHunter