1956 1926 Model 44 Target revolver

[MarkHayden]

Today I bought the above revolver at a gun show in Northern Idaho. It's serial number is S175xxx, and it appears in excellent condition (nearly invisible turn ring, no wear on the barrel, etc.). Purchase included the gold box (serial number faintly visible on the bottom of the box).

I'm under the impression that target grips, such as this pistol has, do not have the pistol's serial number stamped on them. This pistol has the serial number stamped on the grips; very small, near the bottom of the frame. Both grips are stamped.

The SCSM indicates, if I'm reading it correctly, that this is a rare piece. Your comments are very,welcome.

Thanks for your responses,

MarkHayden

 

[Peak53]

Well, that is a beautiful post war revolver that I would, if not die for, pay dearly, but not a 1926. Notice the short action hammer. Experts will shortly weigh in on the vintage, but trust me, you have acquired a beautiful 44 and will be proud of it.

 

[Kingspoke]

4th Model Target 44 Special

What a beauty! Looks like a Model of 1950 .44 Target.

 

[RKmesa]

Today I bought [this] revolver at a gun show in Northern Idaho. It's serial number is S175xxx, and it appears in excellent condition (nearly invisible turn ring, no wear on the barrel, etc.). Purchase included the gold box (serial number faintly visible on the bottom of the box).

Mark:

That is a beautiful 44 Spl. I love the tapered barrel, something it has in common with the 38/44 Outdoorsman and the .357 Magnum (pre-27).

Congrats and thanks for sharing,

 

[wheelgun610]

Definitely a Model of 1950 rather than a Model of 1926. Yours isn't a commonly seen model, but not nearly as rare as a factory original target sighted Model of 1926.

Mark

 

[mh51]

Mark,
That's a great model 1950 target! Congrats on finding that one.
Some of the early target grips were numbered to the gun, but only on the right panel. I've never heard of original grips being marked on both panels. But, "never say never" with S&W.

 

[rct269]

A good illustration of the difference, .44 3rd target and .44 4th target (Model of 1950), mine sold within the last two years as follows: .44 3rd target $7200; .44 4th target $2400.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[StrawHat]

A good illustration of the difference, .44 3rd target and .44 4th target (Model of 1950), mine sold within the last two years as follows: .44 3rd target $7200; .44 4th target $2400.

Ralph Tremaine

I am not seeing a photograph. Was one included?

Kevin

 

[22hipower]

Can you post a picture of the other side? Are the stocks non-relieved on the left side? If so, and numbered to the gun, that would be the first set that I'm aware of so numbered. Occasionally those non-relieved N targets do show up with an SN (I have a set with 130285) but I've never seen any numbered to the gun on which they were found. More pictures of the gun and the inside/outside of the stocks would be appreciated. Nice find.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[rct269]

I am not seeing a photograph. Was one included?

Kevin

One was not included. I have one-----a print----from the olden days. I understand such things can be "scanned" into one's computer via one's printer------and then on unto cyber-space(??). That's what I understand----not what I know the first thing about.

I was protected from such irritations by an expert and devoted staff during the time the rest of the world was becoming computer literate----their idea, not mine; but it seemed like a good idea at the time------and I protested not.

So----if there is a charitable soul out there who wishes to share the image of a flat gorgeous .44 HE Third Model Target with the rest of the world, let me know-------and the makin's will appear in your (snail) mailbox----from the olden days.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Doc44]

Your revolver in 44 Special caliber is a 1950 Model 44 Target. The interesting part is the serial number and the 5-screw frame. Apparently, S&W "found" some 5-screw frames in 1957 that were unnumbered and used them to make revolvers. 44 Magnums, .357 Magnums, and your 1950 44 Target revolver have been reported with serial numbers in the S171000 to S176000 range. Normally, revolvers in this serial number range would have a 4-screw frame. S&W always makes it interesting for collectors .

Bill

 

[Doc44]

The gold box for your revolver is labeled Model of 1926, so I assume that is why you stated your revolver is that model. These gold boxes usually had a sticker on the top indicating the revolver was a Model of 1950.

Bill

 

[MarkHayden]

Thanks to everyone for commenting on this gun and straightening me out on its model number. Here are some additional photos of the pistol.

 

[MarkHayden]

Oops, forgot one photo.

 

[Doc44]

What is the serial number on the butt of the revolver? The box looks like S107 something. That would change the shipping year to 1954, not 1957.

Bill

 

[Tom K]

Thanks to everyone for commenting on this gun and straightening me out on its model number. Here are some additional photos of the pistol.

Images right side up.

 

[Doc44]

A photo of a gold box with an over stickered for the 1950 44 Target revolver. I have a 1950 44 Target with target stocks, but it will not fit in this gold box. I am curious, does yours fit in its box with the target stocks? I realize your box is for a 1926 44 Target and mine is for a 1926 44 Military.

Bill

 

[MarkHayden]

The serial number present on the butt, cylinder and barrel is S107295. The SCSW lists the date of manufacture as 1956-1957. The pistol barely fits in the box; there are scrapes on the inside of the box where the barrel, butt and rear side have damaged it.

Please note the front sight, it is different than the one pictured on page 189 of the SCSW. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your enlightenment. This pistol is getting more interesting by the minute, thanks to your comments and information.

Matk

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Here's mine which is S147xxx.
No box or Target Grips!

 

[hibbs]

3rd model 44 Target

Here is a comparison pic. This is a M1926 .44 Target,3rd.Model,with King sight candy.

Richard