Model 1950 44 Spl. I think. 5 inch barrel

[Robert Lyn]

Greetings, new guy. 64 years young. I shoot handguns rarely. 22 small bore matches 99 percent of the time. In going through my Fathers belongings I found 3 S&W revolvers which I have been doing some research as best I can. The one I have had the most difficulty with is a fixed sight 44 Spl, Hand ejector with 5 inch barrel, and serial number C 95XXX. All I read is the Serial number should start with S. I showed the revolver to 3 dealers who rated the gun at 98 to 99 %. I don't remember Dad ever carrying it on duty, or firing it. I'm not that interested in it's value. I would just like to know a few more details on this S&W before it gets locked up in the safe. Thank you in advance.

 

[Doc44]

The serial number should start with an S as that prefix was used for revolvers with a large, or N-frame. The revolver is most like a 1950 Model .44 Military, or pre-model 21. It was probably shipped in 1953.

The serial number should be stamped on the butt, in the ejector rod shroud, and on the rear surface of the cylinder. You should check it in all of these places, but the butt serial number is the "official" number.

Bill

 

[P&R Fan]

Welcome to the Forum.
A .44 Special will not have a serial number that starts with a C. As you state, it should be an S. If it is an S, that would put it's DOB at around 1953. That would make it a Pre M21. Those are very collectable, and quite valuable. It is known as the Model 1950 .44 Military Revolver.
We'd love to see a picture.
Jim

 

[Robert Lyn]

Darned if I know.

The Serial number in the shroud is an S 95XXX. 95XXX on the cylinder. On the butt it is C95XXX. On the back side of the Wood grip is S95XXX S.O. On the other grip there is the same S O. What is the S O all about. Why is the Butt serial starting with "C". There is something else written in pencil on the back side of the right side grip, but it is unreadable. I just called my Uncle, and he told me Dad ordered the gun from a local now defunct hardware, and waited 3 months for it to be delivered. I think I will see if I can get a letter from S&W on it's history. Wish I could find the box or papers. I have all that with the model 67, and the Victory model that he carried to death. And thanks for the quick replies.

 

[dewey]

You sure are Blessed to have such fine guns that were used by your Dad. I guess he loved S&Ws as much as we all do.

Welcome,sir.

Dan

 

[murphydog]

Here is the webpage to request a letter:

Firearm History Request - Smith & Wesson

My best guess on the C prefix to the SN is the fixed-sight K or medium frame guns at that time were using this letter, and someone not paying attention stamped it instead of the S. If you include photos of the gun and this the factory historian can probably confirm it was an error.

 

[beagleye]

Bill
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you mention a 1950 model military 44 special and you don't post pictures, it will turn into a cheap plastic auto while you sleep. We need some pics man. And welcome to the forum.
Pete

 

[Robert Lyn]

OK, I will try

I am attaching the pictures. hope this works. I am computer illiterate.

 

[Robert Lyn]

Heck fire, a first for me.

Cannot believe I succeeded doing that.

 

[P&R Fan]

Dang if that ain't a C after all.

Somebody had a hangover that day at the factory.

That, Sir, is a VERY nice revolver.
Jim

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Just when you think there aren't any more like that out there... Wow.

 

[Robert Lyn]

How about a little more schooling here.

After a bunch of measuring at the local asylum (Old Gun Shop). The local family started it in 1957. The barrel on this gun is 5 1/2 inches from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel. There was a fine argument about how to measure a barrel. I laughed till my ribs hurt at that bunch. All God fearing good old boys I have known since I was a young man. I thought these were 4, 5, or 6 1/2 inch barrels only?

 

[OldDominion]

Welcome Robert, as to the length, the standard for the 1950 .44 Military was 5 1/2 inches. That is one crazy factory error there. Please share your letter with us when you get it. Take pictures and include them with your request. Seeing is believing.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Standard barrel lengths for the 1950 .44 Military were 4", 5", and 6.5" (rare).
Standard barrel length for the 1950 .45 Military was 5.5".
The picture below is a 1950 .45 Military with 5.5" barrel. Same frame size, etc., as your gun, but in .45.
Yours sure looks like a 5".

 

[Robert Lyn]

Friendly bunch, Thanks

Nice to hit a forum that the people are as friendly and helpful as you guys. Go on some, and you feel like a **** in the punch bowl. I am attaching pictures of Dads 67, that I never knew him to fire. It is a 67 with no dash that he bought from the same Hardware as the 1950 in 1977 for $159.00. He kept the receipt. The victory model he carried of duty for years until he shot a dud round, then fired another, and bulged the barrel. He sent it back to S&W, and because of his occupation they replaced the barrel, re-nickeled it, and made it look new for nothing but what he paid to return it. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

 

[lowhog]

Robert,There were a total of 1,200 pre model 21 4th model military's made.The value new in the box would be 4,500.00.I think yours would be in the 3,500 to 4,000 range.Regards Mike

 

[Cricker]

Holy smoke. What nice revolvers. The 44 military is absolutely beautiful!!