Help identify possible 5 inch pre 24

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HappyHunter

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Please help identify.

It is 44 special with a 5 inch barrel.

Ramped front sight with micro adjust rear (rear has "flat" windage screw).

Side plate is blank and S&W logo is on left side below thumb latch.

Grips are non-relieved smooth target. S/N is S 9764x.

I will post pics soon (or will at least try).

Thanks for any help.

Fred
 
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What would you like to know? Seems you have the info correct.

Is it a family gun or for sale? If it is for sale, what are they asking, box, tools????

Better, bigger and more photos are pretty essential to evaluate. Is it original finish?
 
I will be attempting better pics.
The gun is in my possession and will likely be mine after this weekends gunshow.
There are some issues with gun.
Action is too light, the rebound spring has been cut to 14 coils, mainspring bent and gun will not ignite all rounds (2 out of 24 failed to fire).

The thumb latch spring is too weak, likely cut as well. Also front spring in front of shroud I fear is trimmed as well.

Side plate is blank, should it have S&W stamp here?

The condition is original blue and it is very nice...95% easy. All serial #'s are correct. No box or documents.

By the way this gun shoots a very tight group, so no matter what I will be happy with it.
 
Looks good to me too! I have never even seen a 5 inch pre 24.
I might add, I have a 6.5. But everybody has got one of them!
 
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I would make SURE this Gun becomes yours,Pre model 24's with factory 5" barrels are extremely rare.The fact that the S&W monogram has been moved to the left side increases the odds that it is legit.Many if not all factory 4" Guns are bright blue and have the monogram moved off the sideplate.I would check the left side of the frame under the stocks and look for any rework stamps.The fact that the Gun also has smooth Rosewood stocks is also a good sign.I would be filling out the factory letter request now.
 
That is a good looking 44 and if you can get it for a decent price jump on it. The springs can be replaced very cheaply. If you don't know how any gunsmith can.
 
The picture looks a bit better this way .

mikepriwer-albums-mlp12-picture11434-5-inch.jpg


Mike Priwer
 
Oh you devil you.....you know what a deal you got on it!!!

The official name for it is: "1950 .44 4th Model Target, (Model of 1950 44 Target)", a Pre Model 24 in collector parlance also a 5 screw. The closest # in my database, S 97119, shipped sometime in 1954. Presentation stocks and target hammer options. It may be too early to have the target trigger option but can't see the trigger; is it a .500" wide target trigger?
 
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If the barrel is original length. A 5" inch pre 24 is the most scarce of the 4" 5" and 6.5" with only a handful made. At least a 3.500 value if not more. You hit the jackpot. Good for you, and bad for the fellow who didn't do his homework.
 
Jim,
Trigger is a 3/8 smooth, no ribs. It is unaltered with case hardening. If you would like complete s/n for your data base let me know and I will pm it over to you.

lowhog,
Barrel appears completely original, lettering is where it belongs, it is s/n to frame, yoke, ejector and cylinder. There are no markings indicating factory reworking.
The pin that locks the barrel is pristine. The pin that secures the bolt lock in front of shroud appears reset (looks like they used a cupped punch). I believe that the spring here has been shortened.

Regards,
Fred
 
Fred,

Thank you, that would be appreciated.

I believe the trigger was added, they weren't available till later, but a definite improvement over the skinny one and my favorite trigger.
 
Very nice! Are you able to post close up photos of the front and sides of the muzzle/front sight ramp?
 
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