Model of 1950?

[spin132]

Rookie question I'm sure, but I am curious as to why so many different revolvers were referred to as Model of 1950?

38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950 (existed well before 1950)
44 HE 4th Model (aka Model of 1950 .44 Military - Pre-21)
44 HE 4th Model Target (aka Model of 1950 .44 Target - Pre-24)
45 HE Model of 1950 (aka 1950 Target - Pre-22)

and probably others, yet some, like the pre-27 which was reintroduced right around 1950, never received that title?

Mike

 

[lestert357]

I believe it’s because very late 1949/early 1950 is when those models were first manufactured at the new Roosevelt Avenue factory with the new (at the time) short action hammer/trigger system.

Actually, even the Pre-Model 27 has also been referred to as “Model 1950 Magnum” in at least one book, that being Tim Mullin’s book entitled “MAGNUM”. Below is a page from that book.

 

[Doc44]

S&W catalogs and All Model Circulars I have in my collection do not refer to the .357 Magnum, .38/44 Heavy Duty, and .38/44 Outdoorsman as a Model of 1950. I know some of these revolvers have been referred to as a Model of 1950 in some collector publications (like the one shown in post #2). Terry is correct that the reference to 1950 is based on the fact the various models were developed or introduced by S&W in that year.

Bill

 

[sodacan]

Don't forget the Pre-26 in 45acp and a couple hundred in 45 Colt.

 

[AC Man]

With my limited knowledge I'll add my two model of 1950. A Pre model 24 44 special and a Pre Model 26 in 45 ACP. Both advertised as a model of 1950.

 

[spin132]

I was afraid it was going to be that intuitively obvious...

 

[handejector]

45 HE Model of 1950 (aka 1950 Target - Pre-22)

The Pre 22 is the "1950 Army" (fixed sights)
As others point out, the 45-1950 Target is a "Pre 26".

 

[Hank Dodge]

Here's a shot of a 1950 Military that I picked up recently. Any information about it would be great.
I just love the .44 Special. This seemed like a perfect combination of gun and cartridge...