Model 1950 Target 45 ACP

[StrawHat]

I know this is the tapered barrel version prior to the heavy barrel Model 1955. I have not seen one locally so ask if those that have them would kindly post photos and tell me about them. I believe this is the only Model I lack in my modest ACP collection.

Thank you.

Kevin

 

[Doc44]

The 1950 45 Target was introduced in February of 1950. The model was never very popular with shooters and it was discontinued in 1961 after manufacturing 2,768 revolvers. In 1953, S&W manufactured 200 revolvers chambered in 45 Colt that are sought after by collectors. Click on the photo below for a better look.

Bill

 

[22hipower]

Here's a fairly early one (S78xxx range) with magna stocks. Still looking for one of those elusive ones in 45 Colt.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[lamarw]

Here is poor quality picture of mine along with the second page of the S&W Letter. It is the upper revolver in the picture.

 

[wundudnee]

Here's my .45 cal. of 1950. It appears to have the gloss blue, but that wasn't mentioned in it's letter. it did letter with target grips.

A couple years ago at the Tulsa show I saw two of these in .45 Colt. They were about 100 feet apart, both in the box. One was marked$12,000.00 and the other was a bargain at $11,000.00.

 

[Texas Star]

Mine didn't like soft lead Auto Rim bullets and I didn't want to bother with half moon clips. Back then, I had no idea the gun would become a collectors piece. I traded it in, I think on a M-29. More power and better accuracy for the same bulk.

 

[clang444]

Here's mine, in the original maroon-ish colored box:

I don't know why these guns weren't well liked when they came out, mine shoots like a guided laser. I typically use FMJ ammo.

 

[delcrossv]

Mine, and daughter #1 shooting it:

Here's the same in .45 Colt, cylinder is a wee bit longer and the barrel is marked 45 Colt Ctg (Letters):

 

[andy52]

Mine shipped May 1952, it doesn't like lead bullets but will shoot 230 hardball very well.

 

[Muley Gil]

The rifling in the 1917s, the 1950 .45 ACP revolvers and the 1955 was shallow and was intended for jacketed bullets. Most of these revolvers shoot better with jacketed bullets and hard cast bullets.

 

[S&WIowegan]

The Model of 1950 Target was intended for the bullseye competitors. Some of the Bullseye shooters(notably Jim Clark) complained that the barrel was too light and allowed too much muzzle rise. Eventually, the Model of 1955 Target was produced and S&W has sold thousands of the model to people who aren't Bullseye shooters.

 

[StrawHat]

The Model of 1950 Target was intended for the bullseye competitors. Some of the Bullseye shooters(notably Jim Clark) complained that the barrel was too light and allowed too much muzzle rise. Eventually, the Model of 1955 Target was produced and S&W has sold thousands of the model to people who aren't Bullseye shooters.

Yes indeed, I have a Model 25-2. Still looking for a Model 1950 Target.

The article is by Jim Clark and tells of his experience with the 1950 and his input for the 1955.

Kevin

 

[Jim Watson]

How come the Model of 1950 got model no. 26 and the model of 1955 got model no. 25?

 

[S&WIowegan]

How come the Model of 1950 got model no. 26 and the model of 1955 got model no. 25?

Roy Jinks might know the answer. I was in high school at the time.

 

[StrawHat]

...Here's the same in .45 Colt, cylinder is a wee bit longer and the barrel is marked 45 Colt Ctg (Letters):...

Nice snag. Were you looking for it it did it just fall into your lap?

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

Thank you all for your help. It appears standard equipment was a Patridge front sight, adjustable rear sight and 6 1/2” barrel. Stocks could be either magna or target style. Were the hammers and triggers the target style?

Kevin

 

[Doc44]

The 1950 45 Target was cataloged with a standard hammer and trigger and Magna stocks. However, some were shipped with a target hammer (mine letters with one) and after the target trigger became available for N-frames in 1955 a target trigger could also be special ordered. Most of the 1950 45 Targets I have seen have a standard hammer and trigger and Magna stocks.

Bill

 

[lamarw]

As Bill mentioned above, mine lettered with the target trigger and hammer. It also came with magna stocks and the bright blue finish. It is a later delivered revolver.

I also have a Model 25-2, but I shoot the 1950 target model somewhat better.

 

[delcrossv]

Nice snag. Were you looking for it it did it just fall into your lap?

Kevin

Little 'o both. Mod 1950's are a favorite of mine. Just missing a nickel one

 

[sodacan]

Here's a photo of mine. It's not a common specimen in that it is an all target version. Of the five 45acp revolvers I own, it is my favorite. The other four are a 1955 (pre-25), 1917, 625-2 and a Colt 1917.