model 1950 &1955

[sweetwilly45]

Hi all...
Since I am a new member (Feb) I find myself on a steep learning curve. I would like information on Model 1950 Target, and Model 1955 Target. I know they both shoot 45 auto-rimed and ACP with half-moon clips. Thanks

 

[22hipower]

Yes, and no, in terms of both shooting 45 ACP. That is true for the pre-26/26 but there is also a 1950 Target in 44 Special (pre-24/24). Perhaps use the "search" button at the top of the page and you'll pull up many previous threads with discussions on the 1950 and 1955 models. Basic difference though is the barrel contour with the 1955 having a heavier barrel. Lots of information in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (4th Edition) and anybody with a couple of really nice Registered Magnums and some other treasures really should have that book for reference.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[wheelgun610]

And to add to the confusion, there's also a few that were chambered for .45 Colt. I think those qualify as being fairly scarce.

Mark

 

[rct269]

I had both in my collection of target guns----never fired either one of them, so have no comments on that aspect. The 1955 Model is a BIG, KLUNKY, gun beside the 1950 Model, which seems almost delicate by comparison.

I had both because they made both. Were I to have one to shoot, I'd select the 1950 Model for reasons already identified. And I might change my mind after shooting it for a spell----and end up with both of them again.

Yes, we are a fickle lot!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[sweetwilly45]

1950 & 1955

22hipower..
Did some research, and found the book on the web. Thanks for the heads-up.


Bill

 

[hibbs]

I have had a bunch of both the 1950 Target and the 1955 Target, in .45acp and .45Colt. Approx. 200 1950 Colts were made and 15 1955 Colts. I like the 1950 better. They are lighter and nicer looking than the 1955. One mans opinion.

Richard

 

[JP@AK]

I had both because they made both.

This made me LAUGH! So well said. Isn't that the way we are?

I have a few N frames but I don't collect N frames. If I did, I'd be right there with Ralph.

 

[StrawHat]

The Model 1950 45 ACP Target revolver was the first factory offered target model 45 ACP revolver by S&W. Prior to that, if you wanted a target revolver chambered for that cartridge, you started with the Model 1917 of some variation. The basic 1917 was then fitted with adjustable rear sights, often a better front sight, and sometimes the gunsmith would convert the old long action to a short action. S&W did all of that with the Model 1950 Target. (There is also a Model 1950 Army, fixed sight 45 ACP, short action. Kind of a modern 1917.)

Many competitive shooters used the Model 1950 for Bullseye competition. Several of them, Jim Clark most notably, were quite vocal about changes that needed to be made to the revolver to make it “better”. Those changes resulted in the Model 1955.

In 1957, the Model 1950 Target became the Model 26 and the Model 1955 became the Model 25.

A couple of photos for you. A Model 1950 Army, a Model 1950 Target, a Model 25-2 and Jim Clark’s version of how the Model 1955 came to be created.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

Additional information. The rifling in the barrels of the 1917, 1950 and 1955 is all the same. Originally specified by the Army, S&W did not see any reason to change it until the introduction of the 625 series of revolvers. It is 6 groove and shallow, set up for the 45 ACP jacketed bullet. You can get lead bullets to work and it is not that hard but it is best done with cast bullets of the proper diameter and a good lube. (My cast bullets have always been lubed. The new powder coatings are not familiar to me. They may work easier.)

Kevin

 

[sodacan]

The difference in the barrel profiles (and consequently the revolvers' weights) make the shooting characteristics very different. I prefer the model 1950, but they are both great shooters.

 

[StrawHat]

The difference in the barrel profiles (and consequently the revolvers' weight) make the shooting characteristics very different by comparison. I prefer the model 1950, bit they are booth great shooters

The overhead shot definitely shows the profile difference. I have resisted taking a similar image of mine out of respect for your idea.

Kevin

 

[sodacan]

The overhead shot definitely shows the profile difference. I have resisted taking a similar image of mine out of respect for your idea.

Kevin

I appreciate that, but don't let that stop you. Chances are good that you're a better photographer than l am. LOL.

 

[H Richard]

The 25-2 can be quite a lot of fun with cast bullets.

 

[sodacan]

I'm a huge fan of 45acp revolvers. Of the five I own, the 1950 is my favorite, but I really enjoy shooting the 1917 guns by both S&W and Colt. It's really cool to shoot a piece of history. During this ammunition insanity, I found some 45 GAP for 30 cents/round. It was law enforcement trade-ins. I only shot it in my 625-2 because of the increased pressure over 45 acp, but it worked great. Moonclips only because it was too short to headspace in the cylinder. After you shoot a revolver with moonclips, you'll wonder why all revolvers don't use them. In my mind, speedloaders were a giant step backwards. LOL.

 

[StrawHat]

I'm a huge fan of 45acp revolvers. Of the five I own, the 1950 is my favorite, but I really enjoy shooting the 1917 guns by both S&W and Colt. It's really cool to shoot a piece of history. During this ammunition insanity, I found some 45 GAP for 30 cents/round. It was law enforcement trade-ins. I only shot it in my 625-2 because of the increased pressure over 45 acp, but it worked great. Moonclips only because it was too short to headspace in the cylinder. After you shoot a revolver with moonclips, you'll wonder why
all revolvers don't use them. In my mind, speedloaders were a giant step backwards. LOL.

While I do not disagree with your last statement, moonclips (at least full moon clips) work best with short and stubby cases. So, there is a reason our favorite revolvers, are the ACP revolvers.

I have also used 45 GAP in my post 2000 revolvers, Model 625 and Model 22-4s. Also used the 45 Super in them.

Kevin

 

[sweetwilly45]

model 1955

Folks...
Just received my book by Jim Supica, and have pouring over the information, looking mostly about my model1950 and 1955, as my .357 RM knowledge has been greatly expanded.
The thing I came up finding, is confusing. My gun is marked "model of 1955" on the barrel, and is correct as it has the heavy barrel and target trigger and hammer. The serial # is s 130914. The box has a Model 1950 label with the 0 marked over with a grease pencil to a 5. The bottom of the box has the correct serial # as does the frame the rt. grip and reg. card. In Jim's book he states that the starting # for Model 1955's is S143xxx and ending with # S 333454. M serial # predates those numbers by approx. 13,000.
Is this unusual or something that happens often?

Bill

 

[StrawHat]

There are very few hard and fast rules with S&W. The Model 1955 and Model 1950 were both built on the N frame. The were not built sequentially. Get an order for a 45 ACP revolver, gr@b a frame from the pile and start building it. The frame that was grabbed might have just come from forging or it may have lived there for a few years.

Kevin

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Here’s my Model 25.
Aa I have posted- I’m really a 44 Guy.
But my Old Arkansas Buddy absolutely insisted that I buy it from him.
So I did.
He’s gone now.
RIP Q C.

 

[wundudnee]

Several years ago I was looking to buy a model 25. I wasn't finding any 25s, so I settled for this model of 1950. At that time I didn't realize how fortunate a find it was. It lettered with the non relieved target grips. The guy I bought it from was selling some guns to finance some house remodeling. I also bought a first year 610 from him and turned down the chance to buy his in the box model 53. I am a rather slow learner.

 

[delcrossv]

Gratuitous pictures:

Pre 24

Pre 26's

45acp

45 Colt

Delightful daughter taking them for a spin