Pre-25 .45acp?? (Pic updates)

[jaestridge]

Does this animal exist?? A pre-model 25 .45acp with a 3.5" barrel. Asking for clarification..

 

[Doug M.]

Not as a factory model. Could have been a special order, or a gunsmith outside the factory, which means the work might be great or it might be ...not at all good. The really knowledgeable folks will come along after this and will certainly want pictures.

 

[rct269]

What he said (^^^^)-------although while pictures are always nice, they're not all that necessary in this case.

A letter will almost always tell the tale---not necessarily what it is, but for damn sure what it isn't!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[StrawHat]

There was a Model 1955 offered with a 6 1/2" barrel. Very rare in any other length.

Do you have photos you can post or provide? Particularly of the sides of the barrel.

And because picture are nice, here is a Model 25-2 (successor to the Model 1955) with a 4 1/4" barrel. Not the roll marks on the barrel are just off center.

Kevin

 

[jaestridge]

This is the only pic available at the moment. I'm trying to get additional pics but of various angles in order to identify..

 

[series guy]

I'm betting that gun has a model number stamped on it.

 

[murphydog]

It does appear to have a 3.5" barrel, but not the heavy type of a model 1955. If a .45, it may be a cut-down model 1950, or bored out from a .357.

 

[jaestridge]

It does appear to have a 3.5" barrel, but not the heavy type of a model 1955. If a .45, it may be a cut-down model 1950, or bored out from a .357.

So it's been confirmed by Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation, in the records as a .45 Target, Model of 1955. It was ordered from the factory with the barrel cut to 3.5 inches, and it was fitted with a red ramp front sight, white outline rear sight, and gonzales target stocks. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least!

 

[rct269]

Does the foundation have anything to say about the two-tone finish we see in the pictures?

Ralph Tremaine

 

[jaestridge]

Does the foundation have anything to say about the two-tone finish we see in the pictures?

Ralph Tremaine

Yes that was a main question I asked. Their response was, the heat treating of the cylidners and barrels sometimes shaded the blue a bit differently.

 

[rct269]

Yeah, I've heard that---that it happens sometimes.

Of course that got me to asking why it doesn't happen all the time. Confusion reigned supreme after that.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[murphydog]

So it's been confirmed by Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation, in the records as a .45 Target, Model of 1955. It was ordered from the factory with the barrel cut to 3.5 inches, and it was fitted with a red ramp front sight, white outline rear sight, and (edited) goncalo alves target stocks. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least!

That is amazing, to say the least!

 

[StrawHat]

So it's been confirmed by Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation, in the records as a .45 Target, Model of 1955. It was ordered from the factory with the barrel cut to 3.5 inches, and it was fitted with a red ramp front sight, white outline rear sight, and gonzales target stocks. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least!

I would love to see better images and a copy of the letter if you would be inclined to share.

We have images of many standard revolvers but very few of the "factory custom" ones. You found a good one!

Kevin

 

[Hawg Rider]

Very interesting and unusual revolver. That was quite a find! Are you thinking of buying it? Looks like the sideplate had been removed more than once and the screws are a little buggered up, but that can be easily fixed. Probably needs a good cleaning. The cylinder stop appears to be dragging, too...any idea how smooth the action functions? I'll bet it's a great shooter.

 

[jaestridge]

Very interesting and unusual revolver. That was quite a find! Are you thinking of buying it? Looks like the sideplate had been removed more than once and the screws are a little buggered up, but that can be easily fixed. Probably needs a good cleaning. The cylinder stop appears to be dragging, too...any idea how smooth the action functions? I'll bet it's a great shooter.

I have not put my hands on the gun yet. Possibly going to happen end of this week. Things tend to look different in person vs pics!

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Barrel muzzle does not look S&W factory. Looks like it has been straight cut.

 

[BC38]

Barrel muzzle does not look S&W factory. Looks like it has been straight cut.

Interesting.

I must have missed something. Where is there a picture of the muzzle of this revolver? I've looked through the photos in this thread a couple of times and don't see any that show the muzzle.

So, I'm just curious how you arrived at your conclusion.

Please enlighten me.

 

[Tijeras_Slim]

I have a 25 no dash with a 4 inch barrel that has also had some trigger work done (and nicely too). A Baughman red ramp front sight. The barrel cutting was extremely well done. I believe Badger Sports did the work back in the day.

 

[murphydog]

I have not put my hands on the gun yet. Possibly going to happen end of this week. Things tend to look different in person vs pics!

Yes, given the variables of cameras, lighting, etc., I have seen "purple" guns in photos that did not look that way in person.

My guess is perhaps barrels and cylinders ("small" parts) were blued in different vats of the factory than frames. In this situation these parts tend to match each other but not the frame.

 

[Doc44]

I know S&W made a couple of 1950 44 Targets with a 3 1/2-inch barrel and a couple of 1955 45 Targets with a 4 and 5 inch barrel, so anything is possible. However, without a full serial number, no research can be done to authenticate any S&W.

Bill