1955 Target

[adhlew]

I would like some information on this revolver. Back in 1969 I foolishly sold one. I have kicked myself from that time on. My memory tells me that this revolver was marked on the barrel as .45 cal. MODEL 1955 TARGET. I recently purchased a .45 cal. MODEL 1955 and is also marked as a 25-2 on the swing down.
Okay, I see these later revolvers listed as being 1955 TARGET models. The older models had a 6.5 inch barrel and the newer ones have a 6 inch barrel. Can someone tell me if my memory is correct or am I remembering wrong?

 

[ars1876]

Mine is marked " 45 caliber model 1955 " it has a 6 1/2 " barrel and shipped Sept 22, 1955.

 

[StrawHat]

The Model of 1955, 45 ACP Target Revolver was a variation of the Model 1950, 45 ACP, Target Revolver. They shared the same frame size, short action and target sights but the Model 1950 had a tapered barrel and the Model 1955 had a heavier bull barrel. About 1957-8, S&W decided instead of model names for the revolver line they would use numbers. The Model 1950, 45 ACP Target Revolver became the Model 26. The Model 1955, 45 ACP Target Revolver became the Model 25.

The Model 26 was stamped on the right side of the barrel, 45 CAL.MODEL 1950

The Model 25 was stamped on the right side of the barrel, 45 CAL. MODEL 1955. (There is one slight variation on this stamping, for one day, the barrels were mistakenly stamped 45 CAL. MODEL 1950).

So, you may have had and sold a Model 1955 or a Model 25 or Model 25-2.

I believe the revolvers were introduced with 6 1/2” barrels and then at some point the 6” barrel became standard.

Kevin

 

[Krogen]

Thanks for the post, StrawHat! ^^^^ You clarified things nicely.

Can you comment on which models and vintages suffered from oversize throats? I have been thoroughly confused about the issue. Complicating things are models in 45 ACP and 45 Colt. I've read that oversize throats quite being a concern when the barrel pin went away.

 

[handejector]

My memory tells me that this revolver was marked on the barrel as .45 cal. MODEL 1955 TARGET.

You posted this yesterday in another thread with the same title, and people posted pics for you-
1955 target
Now, you have to decide which you trust more-
your memory, or their lyin' pics.

You also resurrected an old thread with the same title, and got answered there- 1955 Target

I'm not sure we'll ever convince you.

 

[StrawHat]

Thanks for the post, StrawHat! ^^^^ You clarified things nicely.

Can you comment on which models and vintages suffered from oversize throats? I have been thoroughly confused about the issue. Complicating things are models in 45 ACP and 45 Colt. I've read that oversize throats quite being a concern when the barrel pin went away.

Krogen,

I have owned maybe 30 different 45 ACP and 45 long Colt S&W revolvers. Probably had twenty of them before the internet enlightened me about the “problem of oversized throats”.

Now, I am not saying that the problem does not exist, but in my opinion, it is not a big deal, especially if you are a hand loader. First, the ACP revolvers were designed to be shot with FMJ hardball ammunition. Stick with that and things should be okay. If you reload, find out what the largest throat is and load for it, ie if .454 bullets are required for the one chamber, use that size for all the ammunition.

I have been loading 45 ACP since the late 60s and casting my bullets from the 70s. Sizing and lubing to .454 is the norm for me and my revolvers all seem to like it.

I have read of others, very few, who had grossly oversized throats and they required new cylinders fit to their revolvers.

The best advice is no matter what revolver you have, is to decide what level of accuracy is acceptable to you and then shoot it first and see if you have a problem.

Kevin