Guess I am now a member of the pre-Chief target club

[Model19man]

I received this one yesterday. I can't wait to take it to the range. What year was it made? Are the grips original? Serial number shown in the picture of the butt.

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun, not sure if it falls into one of the known CST SN ranges but someone here will.

I suspect you meant to type "pre-'model' Chiefs Target club".

 

[Model19man]

Right, if you ask me those titles are meaningless.

 

[cgt4570]

Nice!
I love my various Model 60 targets, but have yet to have the opportunity to get a Chiefs Special or 36 with them.

 

[raljr1]

Passed on a model 60 target a few years ago. Regret not picking that one up.

Robert

 

[Masterpiece]

What year was it made? Are the grips original?

Model19man,

Even though these aren't the S&W's I was once into I am pretty good at researching & it looks like Your New Find...Going by the Butt Ser. No....Leads me to believe it's most likely one of the 1st 100 of these Little Pre-Model Chief Special Targets built in 1955!!

As to the Stocks being correct...In case by chance you're not aware...The Ser. No. should be stamped inside the Right Stock Panel matching the Butt's Ser. No.!!

Also...If correct I'm sure if you're into Lettering Your Revolvers I believe a Historical Foundation Letter would be in order if it were mine...Just my personal opinion!! A very lucky find indeed!!

 

[Model19man]

I think I will letter it. Going to ask Roy for a ship date in the mean time.

 

[RKmesa]

Great gun! A CS Target is definitely on my "want list".

Thanks for sharing and Happy Easter!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Ah, ha. So you're the one!

I've been watching that one for sale since 2021 when the seller
was asking $3,000 for it.

The first 100 Chiefs Special Target models started at serial number
55050, according to Dr. Jinks' book, History of Smith & Wesson.

The company did not produce or ship in serial number order so
your new one could have been the first or the last of the run.
Someone else asked Dr. Jinks for a ship date back in 2018; it
shipped in September 1955, according to the CST database on
the old S&WCA forum (curated by jcelect on this forum).

ps: Don't be surprised if the serial number inside the right stock
does not match the one on the butt. Many of the CST models do
not have matching serial numbered stocks.

 

[DARE]

Congratulations, sir! One of the first 100. Very cool.
Please tell us the story about how you acquired it.

 

[Model19man]

Congratulations, sir! One of the first 100. Very cool.
Please tell us the story about how you acquired it.

Well I bought it at auction on GI. Here's a link to the completed auction. I thought the price was fair after the seller reduced it.

Rare 1955 Chiefs Special Target Model in .38 Special in Good to Very Good Condition for sale

 

[Model19man]

Well I just went to the shop because I needed to know if the grips were marked. The right one was!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

That's good news.

 

[Gdogman]

Congratulations on a Great purchase. The grips matching was the cherry on top. Enjoy that gun!!!!! Guess my "watching listing" marker will come off that gun. .

Gilbert in sunny Gilbert, AZ

 

[Goony]

I've had one for many years now, mine being in the 57000 serial number range. Although I'd never lettered it, my understanding is that it also dates to 1955.

 

[JSR III]

Certainly a much better acquisition at $895 as opposed to $3,000. Having serial matching stocks also adds to the package. Congratulations!!

 

[jcelect]

CST

Without a factory letter it is very difficult to say your gun, #55072, was part of the shipment of 100 gun in 1955! These 100 guns were between serial numbers 55050 and 57919! Also in this group of serial numbers was a shipment of 20 guns to H. H. Harris, of Chicago, on 6 May 1965!
NEWS FLASH, S&W did not ship guns in serial number order!
Model19man - sir, your gun is the second lowest serial number in my database!
jcelect

 

[Retired W4]

Certainly a much better acquisition at $895 as opposed to $3,000. Having serial matching stocks also adds to the package. Congratulations!!

I believe it was reduced by $895. $3000- 895.

 

[Model19man]

I believe it was reduced by $895. $3000- 895.

The price was $3000. It was $895 when I purchased it so the reduction was in the amount of $2105.

 

[JH1951]

That gun sat for quite a long time at $3K, which IMHO was at least three times what I would value it at......
The listing reflects that the sale was at $895., a much more reasonable price point.
Congratulations to the OP. Patience payed off.