44 pre-24 Four Inch

[iskra]

Here are several photos of my pre-Model 24, SN 118xxx, wearing a 4" barrel. I bought this some long years ago. At that time, I believed, and I still do, that it had been shortened post production. I bought it as such with a strong argument to that effect based on the barrel 'nomenclature centering' theory.
Today I have just read a thread of the expert group. It pertained to the Model 29 with 5" barrel. I noted a statement to the effect that off-centering of barrel markings could not be taken as proof of barrel shortening. Presumably that information has wider application, extending through the postwar N range in general. My pre-24 bears a matching serial number within the ejector rod housing. My question: Short of obtaining a letter, can it be ascertained from the photos whether in fact the barrel has been shortened? Thanks for any comments/help.
Iskra

 

[Muley Gil]

To me, that looks like a factory front sight.

Are there any rework marks or dates, such as "12.66", on the gripframe, under the grips?

 

[Culina]

If it was done post production, they did a nice job, so I think it can go either way. The grips are rather rare though and probably the most interesting part about the piece.

 

[Frank V]

Very nice, thanks for sharing.
Frank

 

[murphydog]

If you could post a close-up of the barrel crown and end of the rib from the front and sides, that may give more information.

 

[bmg60]

Hi
could you post the serial number that mite help
there are a run of these with the same grips and sights and they were all shipped in late 1955.
jim

I have one that is serial number S-1078XX and it letters

 

[Hondo44]

I guess someone might have cut a 5" but I don't know who in the world would, they're not exactly common either! The fact remains the best answer you can probably get is only with 99% certainty w/o a letter. You might as well get one, if it confirms it can only enhance the value of the gun as well as put your mind at ease. If the letter comes back and does not confirm an original 4", you're no worse off.

For the record, I'd vote original 4".

My pre 26 has a centered barrel marking on the right side, I couldn't tell by looking until I measured it at 4 1/4". But perfect workmanship. And I only had to pay less than 1/2 of an original even if I could find one.

 

[Art Doc]

I am no expert... I could certainly be wrong... but I do have a 1950 Target 44 that was cut from 6.5" to 5" and my gut feeling from looking at your gun is that it appears to have a couple of similar characteristics to mine. My impression is that it has been cut. But it may have been done by the factory to fill a special order and may letter as a 4" gun. Given the potential value, I would have invested the $50 for the letter long before now.

 

[iskra]

Update with SN Range

Thanks for all comments and opinions. Thanks also for the heads up regarding the SN range omission. It is S118xxx. I'll see if I can amend the original post to include it.
My model is certainly not close in time to the great looking somewhat later edition posted by bmg60. But on enlarging the photo provided, I do notice the apparent similarity of the marking placement.
The request for more photos of my piece is logical but I unable to do it soon. I'm away now and during such periods, I'm live with my guns vicariously through my insurance file photos and a spreadsheet containing details. A bit frustrating to say the least. As to getting a letter, it would certainly satisfy personal curiosity, but otherwise it's really an investment call.
Frankly, you S&W collectors will provide the basic impetus to the extent that your opinion(s) neither strongly suggest nor substantiate its alteration. Yet also, I have other models that would potentially be higher in letter the que from an investment perspective. Hopefully, 'the truth will out'!

 

[Doc44]

This 1950 Target 44 (S131000 range) was shipped in March 1955 and letters with a 4-inch barrel, red ramp, and checked Target Stocks. A factory letter on a relatively scarce configuration of the 1950 Target 44 would be in order to confirm the barrel length, red ramp, and smooth target stocks.

Bill

 

[bmg60]

hi
based on the serial number and all the same configuration I would say its about a 75% chance it is a original 4 inch. as the serial numbers are close S1078xx, S118xxx, S131000 if you get a ship date of 1955
around december it almost a sure bet it correct.
jim

 

[230grfmj]

I used to own this 4" pre 24 that lettered as a 4". It was SN S118327, and it shipped in January 1955 to Los Angeles.

 

[Engine49guy]

Beautiful guns,
Very interesting that all of them have the small trademark stamped on the left side instead of sideplate.

 

[lowhog]

Beautiful guns,
Very interesting that all of them have the small trademark stamped on the left side instead of sideplate.

Mine must be a oddball.The trademark is on the sideplate shipped Nov 1955

 

[Troystat]

All of those pre-24's are really nice revolvers. The smooth rosewood grips are nice as well. Thanks for posting the pics.

Troy

 

[JSR III]

From looking at the photos, my vote is that it is original. Certainly, for $1 a week investment, I would also suggest getting a letter. Hell, I pay $2 a day for a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee and its usually gone within 24 hours.

A letter will last as long as the gun.

 

[4-Screw]

Hope this helps.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/209517-barrel-cut-1950-target.html

 

[BUFF]

My 4 inch 1950 is in the S1183XX range. It also has the red insert, white outline and smooth rosewood target stocks. I haven't lettered it but probably should.

 

[DBWesson]

Iskr:
One of my 4" pre 24s is Ser. # 118083.

December 3, 1954
Chas. Greenblatt Co.
New York, New York
1 of 5 all shipped with 4"BBL.
Red Insert Sight
Target Stocks
D.B.

 

[Hondo44]

I have two 6 1/2" 5 screw 24s and the barrel rollmarks aren't even the same as other original 6 1/2s I've compared from the same period.
I vote for original 4" as well.