Model of 1950 Target .44 Special

[DARE]

I think this was the predecessor of the .44 Magnum?
I would like to own a .44 Special with target sights. The Model of 1950 is also called a pre Model 24?
Don't think I want a triple lock. Are there other models I don't know about?
Want it to be a 4 screw or 5 screw frame.
Thanks for any help.

 

[AKtinman]

Fine guns! Last week I saw a 6 1/2" 1950 Target .44 Special with what appeared to be the original Magna grips. It looked pretty nice, but I didn't ask to handle it. Price was tagged at about $2000.

This was at the Gunstop in Minnetonka, MN.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Here’s mine again.

 

[Doc44]

The 1950 44 Target is the revolver you want. It will have a 5-screw frame as there are very few with a 4-screw frame. The original model was discontinued in 1966 with S&W producing 5050 units.

The model was reintroduced in 1983 as the Model 24-3 (both 4 and 6 1/2-inch barrel with no barrel pin) with 7500 units being shipped in two years. Lew Horton marketed a Combat version with a 3-inch barrel and round butt. Approximately 5000 were made.

Bill

 

[Dosgatos]

You definitely want a Model of 1950 .44 Target (pre-24), though you'll have to pay dearly. Up until 2-3 years ago you could find them for around $1,200, but they're closer to $2,000 now in good condition.

 

[JP@AK]

Model 24-3 is in the upper left.

Another picture; also upper left.

 

[4-Screw]

You definitely want a Model of 1950 .44 Target (pre-24), though you'll have to pay dearly. Up until 2-3 years ago you could find them for around $1,200, but they're closer to $2,000 now in good condition.

That price would be for a 6.5" barrel. A 4", with a bright blue finish, will be north of $3500...they are not as common.

A lot of the 6.5" guns were bullseye pistols. So, the real target shooters back then would want them with a target hammer (easy to thumb/grab) but preferred the sensitivity of the narrow non-target trigger.

The 4" Pre-24, 1950 Target, in bright blue is possibly my favorite looking S&W. I love the N-frame but with the tapered barrel and the all of the bells and whistles. It used to be our featured gun on the S&W Forum homepage/Header for many years.

 

[mh51]

I think this was the predecessor of the .44 Magnum?
I would like to own a .44 Special with target sights. The Model of 1950 is also called a pre Model 24?
Don't think I want a triple lock. Are there other models I don't know about?
Want it to be a 4 screw or 5 screw frame.
Thanks for any help.

David.....Might also look for a .44 HE 2nd model target. Made without the triple lock and the extractor housing. Made from 1915 to 1940. I have one bought 20 years ago, so I haven't kept up with current prices. Good luck on the hunt!

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Here’s my 2nd Model.

 

[CA Escapee]

There's a 6.5" barreled model in "mint" condition, with box, in a local shop. They say the grips are numbered different than the gun. Price: $3599.99 USD.

 

[StrawHat]

It depends on which type of trigger pull you prefer. The Triple Lock, 2nd Model and 3rd Model were all the old long action. The Model 1950 and newer all used the short action.

Kevin

 

[Doc44]

This 1950 44 Target was shipped on November 15, 1955 to Evaluators Ltd., Triangle, VA. It letters with a TH, TT, red ramp, white outline, rosewood Magna stocks, bright blue finish, and 4-inch barrel. It is one of the best revolvers made by S&W. It is estimated four hundred of this model were shipped with this barrel length. Click on the photo for a better look.

Bill

 

[Retired W4]

I always thought the 44 HE 2nd Model was underappreciated, what with the Triple Lock (1st Model) and Wolf & Klar, 3rd Model coming before and after (and overlapping in some cases). I'll see if I can find the photo of the one I used to own.

I think I found it. along with the Lew Horton.

 

[Marshal Tom]

Hi, Bill would know better than anyone but I have been told that the 4" bright blue, model would be a $3500 gun. I have one that is a shooter grade with cokes. I never thought I would ever see one much less own one. I had a 6.5" as well and sold it several years ago, like an idiot. I also had a 4" 24-3 and a Lew Horton 3".

 

[The Gila Bender]

Dave, Give some thought to the Model 24-3, the 1983 reintroduction. It's a lot less costly than a 5-screw. This one came from Montana gunsmith Ben Forkin, who picked it up at a Montana gun show in the box with all the goodies, about ten years ago. He even smoothed up the trigger a bit. It's a good shooter! (I added the Ahrends stocks but have the original factory target stocks.)

 

[jack the toad]

Not a target but a 5” 2nd model.

 

[Grayfox]

Are you looking for a collector's piece or a shooter?
The 1950 Target would make a great addition to any collection.
But if you just want something to shoot, I second the recommendation for a 24-3. Excellent guns and not near so pricey as the 1950.

 

[Patrick L]

A 24-3 from the 80s might scratch the itch, unless you really desire the "pre" factor, which I understand.

I love my 4 inch 24-3.

 

[DARE]

Thanks

Thanks for the education. Think I would enjoy a short barrel more. So probably consider the 24-3 unless I can get a better than average deal on an earlier gun. Might try for a pre-29 and shoot .44 Special in it.
I had I think one of the 24-3s with the 6" barrel that I sold too cheap. Also a Triple lock 6 1/2" and a pre-29 4 screw with 4" barrel and box.

 

[The Gila Bender]

David, Also consider the 624, that is, if stainless steel is not offensive to you.