Smith & Wesson 1955 Target in .45 ACP

[jrhoney]

So I have located a 1955 Target S&W in 45 ACP with a 6.5" barrel. The bluing is pretty good but there is some wear on the edges and muzzle from holster carry. The mechanics of the revolver are nice and tight and the bore is really sharp and not too leaded. There is a lot of leading and copper fouling but that cleans right out. It is wearing no diamond factory magnas which I know are incorrect. The gun has the wood presentation case but the interior has seen better days and looks as though it is intended for the bigger target grips. No tools or cleaning kit but has the original paperwork and half moon clips. The exterior has blotches of what looks like varnish in a few places which makes me think it has been redone at some point.

It is on consignment at $650 and I was wondering what everybody thinks. I don't have any pictures or the serial number but I can take some pictures and get the serial number.

 

[sjmjax]

I also have a mid-50's, 5 screw 1955.

It has the huge oversize throats. Spent a vast amount of time and resources trying to get it to shoot straight with lead bullets. Never worked for me. Got heavy leading and very poor accuracy. Finally gave up on lead bullets.

However, with full metal jacket, 230 grain ball, it's a very precise shooter. Has become a favorite range gun. The groups it can shoot even in my hands are amazing at times.

Price sounds pretty reasonable in this current market.

 

[DGT]

I have two 1955s, one 4 screw and one 5 screw. Both are about 98%. I paid more than that for each of mine. As far as I'm concerned, the 1955s are the best big-bore target revolvers ever made. I don't know if that helps or not... If you buy it, I want to see pictures. Is it a 4 or 5 screw?

 

[moosedog]

Since you didn't give out any indication of the serial number it is hard to tell. Pictures or a better description will help.
If it came in a wooden box, it may be a 70s vintage gun with the wrong grips on it. If the serial number starts with an S, it is an early gun and worth more.
The 1955 Target and 1950 Targets were designed to shoot hardball and have shallow rifling. They do great with hardball but are hard to get adjusted with lead.

 

[jrhoney]

Tough to get good accuracy with lead? Well then it looks like I'm out. All I shoot is lead because I cast my own. I'll still swing by again and see if they can talk the owner into a deal and snag some pictures as well. Its been on the shelf for 2 years now and I wonder why...

 

[arc2x4]

Over size bullets may help .453 instead of .452 in lead and slightly harder alloy.

 

[Hondo44]

I have a 1950 Target (pre Mod 26) 5 screw and have never had any complaint with leading or accuracy. The throats are .455" and I shoot more hard cast bullets of Lyman #2 alloy than hardball. Even sized .452" they shoot fine but better sized .454".

If it's not stamped Model 25 it's a pre 1958 gun and I would not pass it by especially at that price! Just make sure it hasn't had the chambers lengthened to 45 Colt and the serial numbers all match.

 

[Hammerdown]

I also have a mid-50's, 5 screw 1955.

It has the huge oversize throats. Spent a vast amount of time and resources trying to get it to shoot straight with lead bullets. Never worked for me. Got heavy leading and very poor accuracy. Finally gave up on lead bullets.

However, with full metal jacket, 230 grain ball, it's a very precise shooter. Has become a favorite range gun. The groups it can shoot even in my hands are amazing at times.

Price sounds pretty reasonable in this current market.

Hello sjmjax
Here is a model of 1955 five screw variation target revolver that I Picked up a year ago. It must be that the star's all lined up with this one as it shoots the Rainier copper flashed bullet's of 200 Grain weight lazer straight as shown below with it's six shot group..

 

[Shooter6br]

My 25-2 shoots great with lead

My 25-2 6in shoots cast well throats are good. A lead .452 does not drop thur.Mine made arounf 1983

 

[Art Doc]

If you cast your own then you can size the bullets accordingly. If .452s don't work go to .454s. This is what I use in all my 45s.

 

[jrhoney]

Well I broker down and went to the store to buy the darned thing and wouldn't you know, the owner saw it and claimed it for himself.
Shucks, a day late and a dollar short i suppose.

 

[KEN L]

Wonder how much he paid for it????

 

[Hondo44]

Wonder how much he paid for it????

Gun to my head guess....$325. Most shops give 50% of value.