At least it is to me. I have heard that some were stamped model 60 (I may be wrong) and some came with no model designation. I know there was a limited production run of this model. The one I have is S/N 931JXX with model 50 stamped on the frame under the crane. According to what I have found that a little over 1100 were made with this S/N series. I removed the grips and the main spring is a coil spring which surprised me. I have not encountered this model before and I want to be sure of the rarity. The revolver is unfired with the box and original receipt where my step-father made the purchase back in the 70's. The reason I ask about this revolver is that my 96 year old step-father insists on being able to open the cylinder and operating the double action but he doesn't have the hand strength anymore. I refuse to modify the revolver. After reading up on it some it became apparent that this model is more complicated or I've been misinformed in some way. I would really appreciate any information on this model.
S&W Model 50 seems a paradox
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USBP SW
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From my recollection, what you have was called the chiefs special target, the first one I saw was on a 36-1 frame, later on they actually gave it the model 50 designation and finally, I think in 1986, they made it in stainless.
Regards, Steve
Regards, Steve
Neat little guns but a bit of an enigma as you have mentioned. Not a great target gun with the 2" barrel and the large sights cause issues for carry purposes. The gun pictured is not model marked but the box is labeled Model 36 with "TAR" written on the box indicating target sights. Being a J frame gun it does use the coil main spring but is no more complicated than the traditional main spring. Some of the guns did receive the Model 50 markings. The guns marked Model 60 was the stainless steel version as pictured below the blued gun.
Model 60 Target
Model 60 Target
For your info that Model 50 is worth 3x or more what a standard Chief Special is worth. Don't monkey with it at all. If you need a shooter go find a $350-$400 model 36 or 60.
The last Model 50 I saw went for $1500. With original box and receipt you can certainly get that or maybe more.
The last Model 50 I saw went for $1500. With original box and receipt you can certainly get that or maybe more.
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CatboatWilly
Member
I've got one of those ! Wonder what quantity was produced in the various production runs ?
There is a large value delta between a Model 50 and other target J frames.
The model 50 was never actually cataloged. Although they exist. They are a model 36 target 2" and 3" blued only not SS.
So the Model 50 was sold as a Model 36 and 36-1 with target sights. You are right about the # made. Most were not stamped model 50. So.. those who have an actual Chief Special Target model with Model 50 stamped in the frame...have something very special. I have only ever seen 2. No idea how many were actually made. But you have an easy collectable example.
BTW there are of course Target model 60s. But they are catalogued as target model 60s. They sell them today..I had one in the pro series 3" with slab-side. They are however not model 50s
Edit: Yes there are also no model marked examples as well. But the Stamped model 50s will bring the most $$.
Also being as they are a collectors type guns you would be wise to only sell to those who collect and know what they are..I say that because a gun shop might give you $350 for it if you brought it to trade.. a collector $1500. Your pool of buyers is much smaller but the price you an get much larger. This forum as an example would be a good place to sell. GB maybe not unless a collector was watching the auction.
I am preaching as though you want to sell...but I am really speaking generally to anyone who has a collectable gun and wants to get the best price.
The model 50 was never actually cataloged. Although they exist. They are a model 36 target 2" and 3" blued only not SS.
So the Model 50 was sold as a Model 36 and 36-1 with target sights. You are right about the # made. Most were not stamped model 50. So.. those who have an actual Chief Special Target model with Model 50 stamped in the frame...have something very special. I have only ever seen 2. No idea how many were actually made. But you have an easy collectable example.
BTW there are of course Target model 60s. But they are catalogued as target model 60s. They sell them today..I had one in the pro series 3" with slab-side. They are however not model 50s
Edit: Yes there are also no model marked examples as well. But the Stamped model 50s will bring the most $$.
Also being as they are a collectors type guns you would be wise to only sell to those who collect and know what they are..I say that because a gun shop might give you $350 for it if you brought it to trade.. a collector $1500. Your pool of buyers is much smaller but the price you an get much larger. This forum as an example would be a good place to sell. GB maybe not unless a collector was watching the auction.
I am preaching as though you want to sell...but I am really speaking generally to anyone who has a collectable gun and wants to get the best price.
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If you are able to see the Expert Commentary link (next to Downloads on the bottom of the banner ad), there is a summary of Chiefs Special Target variants and production figures. If you can't it may be a good incentive to join the SWCA
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If you are able to post photos on this one it would be of great interest to us collector types (please).
I will get some pictures and put them up. I have no desire to ever shoot it. I was caught off guard when my step-father had pulled it out and said it was broken. In his day he was a savvy collector - but 96 years has skewed his thought process a bit. The revolver is now safe back in it's safe so the next time I see him I'll get some pictures. I'll admit it was the first one I've seen. My first impression of the revolver was the sights. I thought it was like putting a scope on a cork gun. I knew it was rare and he kept referring to it as a model 51. At any rate the little revolver had my interest as to the why it was even built. It must have been made to appease the purist detective or possibly the flat top of the rear sight helped to keep the revolver level for a more accurate shot. The name could even explain the reason. Designed for the Chief. It does have a commanding look of authority. Pardon my long blurb. I sometimes fall into the question ' does form follow function or function follow form'. I have the same curiosity about a S&W ancestor the Volcanic.
I will get pictures and any special picture requests I'll be glad to provide. I'll have to try and find the box now. He put it somewhere and his nurse is not sure where.
I will get pictures and any special picture requests I'll be glad to provide. I'll have to try and find the box now. He put it somewhere and his nurse is not sure where.
Texas Star
US Veteran
This is a Model 50. Internet photo, regrettably not mine. 3inch heavy barrel, adj sights, matte finish. Aftermarket grips.
That's a Model 36-6. Maybe some were marked as Model 50? The M-50's I've seen pictures of and references to were all snubs with quite high front sight blades.
The idea was that sportsmen wanted them to let them adjust the sights to a particular load and to provide a better sight picture. Elmer Keith also recommended such as something that S&W should make as a a std. model, but they never did.
The 96 -year-old FIL needs to look at the .22 MRF Kit Gun if he thinks he knows what a Model 51 is. I'm afraid that time has taken its toll on his memory. And he needs to accept that he is now so infirm that he needs two hands to use a gun. I hope that he can do even that safely.
The stainless version of the gun pictured here is the Model 60-4. It was warranted for Plus P use and is what one should carry in lieu of a .22 Kit Gun. It'll kill snakes and rabbits better than a .22 and have power in reserve for larger animals or felons. And unlike the RF gun, it WILL extract fired cases reliably. (I sold my M-34 in disgust and will never again buy a .22 revolver.)
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Texas Star
US Veteran
My Model 60. Heavy 3 inch barrel, TS, TT, TH. (Chiefs Special Target?) Never fired. Grips are aftermarket, it came with rubber grips.
I put Pachmayr Presentation Compac grips on mine and it HAS been fired. By me!
I think it's the finest small trail .38 ever made. Both of mine have been VERY accurate. Current versions are in .357, which I think was a mistake, although practically forced when Ruger made the SP in .357.
But the SP is just enough larger that I think it's the smallest .357 I'd want.
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merl67
Member
If it is a target model (adjustable sights) 2 inch J frame It will be marked as a Mod-50 in the crane area. The bulk were marked as a model 36 or no model number at all pictures would be helpful.
Well, then, it is a run-of-the-mill Model 36 Chiefs Special. Simple explanation.
Yours is the common round butt variant.
How can I determine how old it is? I recently received a bunch of my father in-laws old firearms and this particular one was his everyday carry.
He was a collector of some really nice old firearms too. Many Broom Handle Mousers and some Marbles Game Getters.
He was a collector of some really nice old firearms too. Many Broom Handle Mousers and some Marbles Game Getters.
merl67
Member
With the features that one has in between 1966 and 1982 to get any closer we would need the serial number from the butt of the grip include any letters as they are part of the serial number.
