Model 1950 ??

[Rikkn]

I have never seen one of these until tonight. Marked on barrel Model 1950, .45 cal., s/n is S85552. Has target sights, large trigger, realla a good looking gun. He was asking $ 550.00 for it. Then I took off the grip ( they are not numbered to the gun ) and and found the frame had been ground at an angle.........possibly to fit the grips ??? Took pictures with his camera to post here, not the best, but you guys will get the idea. The main question - is it worth it ????

 

[Joe Kent]

Your revolver is cut for a pair of Farrant Stocks or perhaps Stark's, but my money would be on Farrant's. It would be worth it to me.

 

[murphydog]

As you can see, the factory target stocks did not need the corner relieved. I recall this was done for certain aftermarket stocks, like Farrant's. It is probably worth $550 or slightly less as a shooter, but it would have been valued at twice that without the "gunsmithing" job. Others may differ on the value.

 

[Art Doc]

I have an older I frame Colt with this same modification. Doesn't show when the wood is on so why worry about it?

Yes, I would pay $550 for this (after trying to talk the guy down to $500 on this "butchered" gun).

PS: Target stocks are almost never numbered. Lack of matching number doesn't mean they are not original to the gun.

 

[Rikkn]

Are they common ? I have never seen one before.

 

[red9]

Altered butt

An issue that was discussed on an earlier thread, I believe on a square to round butt conversion- is the complete serial number present on the butt? Regardless of what's on the barrel or cylinder, that is where ATF wants to see it. If part of the number was removed, to be legal the number has to be re-stamped, after ATF approval. If the entire number, including the "S" is there, I would grab it. Otherwise, I wouldn't touch it.

Bob Hart

 

[BUFF]

No, 1950 Target Models aren't very common. They were cataloged in .44 Special and .45 ACP; in 1957 they were given the model numbers M-24 and M-26 respectively.

According to factory historian Roy Jinks' book, "The History of Smith & Wesson," there were only 2,768 of them made from 1950 to 1961, when they were discontinued. There were 5,050 of the .44 Special 1950 Targets made, in addition.

The .45 1950 Target was pretty much replaced by the 1955 Target, which differs primarily in that the tapered, slender barrel of the 1950 was replaced by a heavier, non-tapered barrel similar to the .44 Magnum. The 1955 Target became the Model 25 in 1957.

From the serial number, that gun was shipped about 1952.

I would think that, even with the altered grip frame, $550 is a pretty good price on that gun, if it is mechanically good and looks as nice inside as it seem to look on the outside.

 

[kennethg]

I think you did good even with the alteration. As stated above, there were not a lot of this model made. You might not get another chance to purchase another one. Enjoy it!

 

[MKT]

Rikkn,

I have a .45 ACP Target Model of 1950, serial number S85416, which shipped in February of 1952. Since S&W did not ship by serial number yours could have shipped earlier or later. The earlier guess of a 1952 ship date is probably pretty close.

Mine was an old Bullseye shooter's gun. It was used in competition by the previous owner and I have shot one match with it, just to say I did.

 

[29-1]

1950 Target

Look at it this way, the evidently nice non-relieved target stocks are worth $2-300 alone so you're getting a nice, shootable S&W target for a little over $200. If you don't want it I do.
Chuck

 

[Rikkn]

OK, I brought it home a little while ago, $ 475.00. I will take better pictures and put them in a new post later today !!

 

[Jebus35745]

You got one nice deal. Don't see them for sale that often, Larry