Possible Model of 1950 in 45 Colt

[ghp45]

The following photos of a Model of 1950 cylinder in 45 Colt is in questions as to originality. The cylinder is currently chambered for 45 Long Colt, but has it been rechambered? There has been previous posts on this issue and some expert opinions are in order. I understand that the rear of the cylinder is different for the two chamberings, but I do not know how to tell. Help would be appreciated. More photos to follow.

 

[ghp45]

Another photo of cylinder

 

[ghp45]

Final photo

 

[1Aspenhill]

How is the barrel marked on the right side?
Bill

 

[50 target]

Pea Eye, how is the barrel marked ? Can you show a picture of the caliber markings for it.? Just to my eye, the chambers appear to have been rechambered as the finish in the last part before the shoulder in the chambering appears to be rougher and a different shade than the first part of the chamber. The chambers were not recessed however which is often necessary if rechambered, so definitely puzzling. More knowledgeable folks will be along.

Welcome to the Forum and a nice gun no matter the findings.

Bob

 

[ghp45]

The barrel is marked "45 CAL OF 1950." All serial numbers match so cylinder is original. I am also concerned about the machine marks in the chambers.

 

[handejector]

What would help most right now is to show a good side view of the gun with the cyl closed.
Does it have the large gap that a 45 ACP normally has?

The chambers look like a later ream job to me.

 

[1Aspenhill]

All the 45 Colt guns I have seen are marked 45 Colt Cal.
Bill

 

[230grfmj]

All the 45 Colt guns I have seen are marked 45 Colt Cal.
Bill

I would agree with what Bill said here.

Here is a picture of the correct barrel rollmark on one that is correct and lettered in 45 Colt.

Here is the back of the cylinder on that same gun.

 

[ghp45]

Thanks for the input. Here is the problem: the gun was recently purchased and I have not received it yet. I only have photos sent to me. The photos above are of a target model circa 1954. The gun at issue is an early model circa late 1951 or early 1952. Did they mark these guns "CAL .45 COLT?" I don't know. In Supica's book he refers to some early 45 Colts circa 1952, yet he then states the serial number range in the 103000. Some inconsistencies there. I understand that the distance between the rear of the cylinder and the frame is greater for the .45 ACP, to accomodate the moon clips and the rimless cartridge. When it shows up I can see if the cylinder will close on the .45 ACP and clips. If so, the .45 Colt will show some space between it and the frame. It seems this would cause some concerns when firing as the cartridge would not be tight againt the frame. It's too bad we can not get a quick serial number check on Smiths like we can on Winchesters from Cody or from Colt by paying a little extra. It would save headaches for the collector.

 

[Doc44]

I have owned two original (lettered) 1950 Target 45s chambered in 45 Colt. One was in the S101600 serial number range. Each was roll marked 45 COLT CTG. on the right side of the barrel.

Except for the caliber and roll markings, the guns looked like the 1950 Target Model 44 with a short cylinder and the longer forcing cone that protrudes through the frame.

Bill

 

[moosedog]

No offense, but those chambers look pretty rough for a factory job. My vote says it was done outside the factory.
Very little polishing in those chambers.

 

[Texas Star]

The cylinder walls also look thicker in the photos.

 

[Andy Griffith]

Just to ask, as I really can't tell from the photos, but in the second photo it almost looks like the front sight is a fixed one. The barrel looks a bit skinny but I can't tell.

Is this a fixed sight gun? If it is, this is a 1950 military. The grips in the bottom picture are not targets, as the grip frame is showing and I don't see a screw or rear sight in the final photo.

Guys, correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't the few 1950 fixed sight pieces marked ".45 Cal of 1950" or something like that...I'd have to pull mine to see.

 

[ghp45]

Andy,

You are correct. This is not a target model. It is a fixed sight military model. That's why I questioned whether the target model markings for a .45 Colt would be the same for the military model.

Gary

 

[1Aspenhill]

From what I have seen over the years, if the factory made it in .45 Colt, the barrel would be marked as such, whether it is a fixed sight or target sight gun.
Bill

 

[sw357nm]

.45 Colt

The other one of Bill's .45 Colt (pre-26) has s/n S977XX.
John

 

[rck281]

I used to own a 1950 Target in 45 Colt with serial number of S99690 and the barrel was marked as 45 Colt

 

[mkk41]

The rear cylinder gap would be a lot bigger .085-.090" for .45 ACP (+ clip thickness) than .45 Colt .055-.060".

 

[sceva]

The rear cylinder gap would be a lot bigger .085-.090" for .45 ACP (+ clip thickness) than .45 Colt .055-.060".

maybe a dumb question but did they make them in .455 for the british market? If so; it could be re-chambered and have the correct headspace gap.