Model 1950 Target 45 ACP
- Thread starter StrawHat
- Start date
The article says the Model of 1950 suffered from accuracy issues with his reloads using cast bullets because the rifling was designed for jacketed bullets. He doesn't blame the inaccuracy on the tapered barrel.
The article then goes on to say that the model of 1955 was very accurate with his reloads. Does the Model of 1955 have different rifling than the Model of 1950?
OP
StrawHat
Member
OP
StrawHat
Member
Thank you for all the photos.
Those of you who own the 1950 Target, 45 ACP, is the front sight ramp integral with the barrel and rib? In some of the photographs it appears to be added to the rib.
Kevin
Those of you who own the 1950 Target, 45 ACP, is the front sight ramp integral with the barrel and rib? In some of the photographs it appears to be added to the rib.
Kevin
The Patridge front sight is pinned to the ramp base with a single pin and the ramp base in turn is pinned to the barrel with two pins. Sometimes the pins are proud and sometimes they are polished flush to the barrel rib and nearly impossible to see. The ramp base on target sighted revolvers was not forged with the barrel until the late 1960s. When it actually occurred was dependent on the model and barrel length. For example, the Model 29-2 with a 6 1/2-inch barrel had the ramp based forged with the barrel by 1968 or so, but it took several years more for it to be forged with the 4 and 8 3/8-inch barrels.
Bill
Bill
In Dr. Jinks book on the History of S&W, he states the reason target shooters did not like the 1950 45 Target was because the tapered barrel allowed too much muzzle jump. The 1955 45 Target solved that problem with the bull barrel and the Model 26 was discontinued in 1961.
I suppose reasons shooters did not warm up to the 1950 45 Target depended on the individual.
Bill
I suppose reasons shooters did not warm up to the 1950 45 Target depended on the individual.
Bill
Walter Rego
Member
Here is my Model 1950 .45 Target from 1956. I also have a Model 25-2 from 1976. The heavier barrel is nice and I suppose for the hardcore target shooter is more desirable but there is something about the earlier tapered barrel and 5 screw frame that also makes it a fun gun to own and shoot.
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I've taken my 1950 45 Target to the range plenty of times along with my 5" 625 (I don't own a Model 25), and I never felt a big difference in muzzle jump using target loads. I'm not a competitive target shooter either, so maybe I'm not that picky (or accurate...). Looking at some of the heavy barrels target shooters put on their custom .38s, I can see them wanting the same for their 45s.
OP
StrawHat
Member
Thank you. Some of the photos (and the barrel I have) clearly show a line between the rib and sight base but I was thinking maybe I was imagining it.
Kevin
Surprised Old Cop that comes to the NE Ohio Bunch didn't chime in with the one I sold him. Larry
OP
StrawHat
Member
AJ
US Veteran
I somewhat envy the folks with these beautiful revolvers. But I wonder just how much they get shot actually. I then look at my 25-9 and my 625-3 and think to myself lets go to the range.........since they are new a bit of wear does not bother me as long as it is honest wear.
The .45 acp, quite a bit, the .45LC some , but not so much. I also have a 25-5 and that gets as much range time as the Mod 1950 in LC.
Go figure.
I've noticed that range time doesn't seem to put wear on these as much as one would think. (They all have turn lines , so that ship sailed long ago).
Edit, Mod 1950 "glamour shot"
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AJ
US Veteran
The .45 acp, quite a bit, the .45LC some , but not so much. I also have a 25-5 and that gets as much range time as the Mod 1950 in LC.
Go figure.
I've noticed that range time doesn't seem to put wear on these as much as one would think. (They all have turn lines , so that ship sailed long ago).
Edit, Mod 1950 "glamour shot"
Glad you shoot them. Won't own a gun that I can not shoot. You are correct that the range should not put any wear on them if you care carefull. Holsters do more damage that anything else excepts accidents (dropped, etc).
OP
StrawHat
Member
A properly fitted holster will not wear the revolver as much as you think. A proper Brill or Threepersons with a well built welt, hold the revolver securely. Modern "bucket" holsters that fit a variety of models cause the wear because they allow the revolver or pistol pistol to shift around. I have several Brill-a-likes and one fairly accurate copy. The a-likes are decent and hold tbe revolver securely. The copy is so good that it is built for a Model 625 and holds that revolver perfectly. A model 22-4 (same as a Model 625 except fixed sights) fits too loose in the holster. Modern companies would add a strap or thong to retain the revolver. Thereby allowing the revolver to shift around and wear.
Here is a photo of my EDC (about 8 years) and it's holster. Very little wear visible. The only wear is at the muzzle and the leading edge of the cylinder.
Kevin
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iskra
Member
Quick-pix: First, x2 my "pre Mod 26" in relatively low SN 79K range. Second, single pix, my Model 1955 aka "Model of 1950" barrel nomenclature, SN N338K! Prefer the light wt barrel!
Interesting about the sight ramp pins. My Pre 24, 4" pins prominent! In these pix, pins not even evident in photos! I prefer pins that don't stand out, drawing attention like navigation buoys!
Thanks all for an interesting Thread here!
Safe & Happy Holidays!
John
Interesting about the sight ramp pins. My Pre 24, 4" pins prominent! In these pix, pins not even evident in photos! I prefer pins that don't stand out, drawing attention like navigation buoys!
Thanks all for an interesting Thread here!
Safe & Happy Holidays!
John
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Pig Hunter
Member
I have always thought a 4" M-26 would make a great carry gun, aka mountain gun. I think I remember Mas Ayoob had a cut down 25.
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That's very nicely done!
OP
StrawHat
Member
When I was a younger man I thought a 4" Model 1950 in 45 ACP would be the ideal revolver for police work. Tried finding one and found that the few that were available were POR (Priced Out of Reach) so after attending the S&W Armorers school, I built my own using a Model 28-2 for the frame and barrel. I fitted the ACP cylinder and frame lug and did a bit more to it.
Kevin
