Shootability of Fixed Sight S&W 22 Model of 1950

[jdickson397]

I am considering the purchase of a Smith & Wesson 22 Model of 1950. It's the one with the beautiful case colored frame. My concern is how accurate this 45ACP is with its fixed sights. Thanks.

 

[Airedale]

I've shot mine in USPSA matches and done well. I put orange sight paint on the front sight to help find it (old eyes).

They are fun revolvers.
Dave

 

[cgt4570]

It will most likely be more accurate than the shooter holding it.

 

[mososodbob]

An Accurate (enough) Gun

I, using factory 230gr FMJ and my handloaded 200gr LSWC loads, can hold the 10 ring of a BE target at 25 yds. At 50 yds it is inside the 8 ring. This is me shooting off a bag on a bench. Others with better eyes and trigger control probably can do better. So, for me this gun is accurate enough.

 

[Dennis The B]

As others have mentioned, it's more accurate than I am. Shoots to point of aim, and that big ol' N frame really soaks up the recoil.

Over-engineering at its finest!

 

[bronco45]

I have a Model 22 TR 45acp. At 15yds using W-W hardball this gun shoots Point of Aim/Point of Impact and when I do my part shooting offhand 1.25 to 1.5". I'm on Medicare and this gun still shoots for me. If it would have been around during my 33 years as a LEO I would have given my eye teeth for this gun.

 

[jdickson397]

Thanks for all the feedback. Very helpful.

 

[Tom K]

The half-round front sight looks retro and cool and all that, but it stinks for getting a good sight picture. The shiny smooth round surface picks up glare and makes it hard to see just exactly where the top of the sight is. A serrated ramp would’ve been better, but they went with style over substance to make it look old school. As I recall the blade is pinned in, so if you’re serious it should be possible to replace it with something more useful.

Why gunmakers ever came up with that configuration in the first place is a mystery to me. I mean, didn’t these people ever actually aim their guns? Likewise the tiny little sights on the original 1911 (and lots of other guns of the era). It’s a shame John Browning didn’t come up with something like a set of Novaks from the get-go.

 

[smokey04]

Bronco45,so as not to highjack the thread,please PM me about that very interesting holster. I've never seen one like it.Thanks, Nick

 

[zzclancy]

I can't speak to the Model 22, but my Model 21 44 special (with the lock) loaded with Winchester 200 grains silvertips and fixed sights is very accurate. The fixed sight are rugged and I prefer them to adjustable sights. I would take a shot in a crowd if I had to. I have the same level of confidence with my model 21 as I do with my Ed Brown 45's (Kobra and Kobra Carry). I usually carry a Model 21 or a 3" Lew Horton S&W 44 mag (when I'm in bear and mtn lion country).
As Bronco45 said shoots to "Point of Aim/Point of Impact".
I would also add I'm 57 and my eye sight isn't the best but I have no problem with the sight picture. One size never fits all but it works for me.

 

[deanodog]

Some of the early models had a too tall front sight and would shoot low. I have had three of them and the first two shot to point of aim. I now have one of the early ones and the front sight was too tall so I filed it to suit me instead of sending it back for a change. It can be easily changed and S&W did some of them. I like them enough that I have bought another every time I sold/traded one away.