borderbud
Member
Chiefs special with target sights. serial 10xx on frame and barrel. P3 and 25xxx on frame opposite the yoke. Can anyone explain ?
Target Chiefs Special
- Thread starter borderbud
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I believe those are assembly numbers. The serial number will be on the grip bottom; you may have to remove the stocks to see it. Should be ABC1234 format if Model 60 (I'm assuming); does it look like this one? Or do you have the Model 36 or Model 50? We would love to see pics.
Todd
Todd
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Photos would be best, but more information would help also.
To IDENTIFY your Gun >
As Todd noted, one of the most likely variants to be found is the model 60-1, a stainless 2" gun. But there are documented runs of 2" blued guns also, some marked MOD 50 and others not. Then there are the 3" full lug barrels...
To IDENTIFY your Gun >
As Todd noted, one of the most likely variants to be found is the model 60-1, a stainless 2" gun. But there are documented runs of 2" blued guns also, some marked MOD 50 and others not. Then there are the 3" full lug barrels...
I let a pretty nice model 60 target slip away a few years ago. Didn't realize what a bargain it was at $700 or $800
The earliest known Chiefs Special Target model is serial number 54904.
The first one I've seen and documented is serial number 55072.
What is the serial number on the butt and cylinder of yours?
The first one I've seen and documented is serial number 55072.
What is the serial number on the butt and cylinder of yours?
This is the same revolver that you posted about 9 years ago
The Forum Posts on how to use photos has been very goof, ty are a short read
It would simplify things a lot if you posted the Product Code (AKA) SKU from the box label. It's a 6 digit number.
Sorry, I was looking at the box from Todd's post
Sorry, I was looking at the box from Todd's post
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With such a low serial # out of the target model # range, and the aftermarket front sight it could very well be a homemade target conversion.
Model19man
Member
It's pretty easy to post pictures. Click on the "Go Advanced" button. Then scroll down and click on the "Manage Attachments" button.
PostingPictures - YouTube
PostingPictures - YouTube
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Hannibal Barca
Member
Would it be the one later was named "Model 50"?
I really appreciate. I will comply. MORE IMPORTANTLY. Want entire forum and administration. to know i don't want to lose membership for misstatement. In one post I said "never posted before" Fumbling around I find I did a few posts 10 + years ago. I am very old and memory shows it. Trying to notify administration. unable so far. Consider this official notification. Thanks bb
SERIAL # LOCATIONS: To confirm all parts are original, one can check for the 6 (or 7 – on Triple Lock models only) matching serial # locations for fixed sight pre war Hand Ejectors and all post war Hand Ejectors thru ~1956 and a few as much as 3 years later.
NOTE: Observing serial #s with accuracy or even existence, especially on penciled stocks, requires magnification, bright light, and an attitude that they are there!
1. Grip frame butt (prefixed by a letter(s) following WWII except I frames) - or fore strap on I frame Regulation Police models and single shots with grips that cover the butt
2. Barrel - bottom of barrel or in extractor shroud, (Triple locks have tiny #s stamped in front end of the shroud; sideways/vertical if over 3 numerical digits, otherwise horizontal).
3. Yoke - on rear face only visible thru a chamber with a flashlight (except the .32 Model 1896 and no doubt a few others)
4. Extractor star – backside (which is actually the side facing the muzzle).
5. Cylinder - rear face
6. Right stock only - on back, scratched or penciled depending on vintage and stock material, stamped after 1929, (except most post war target grips because individual fitting not required.)
7. .44 TL models only: rear side of middle lock cam plate (Triple Lock models only)
Pre war serial #s on the butt read with barrel to the right and are centered, or offset if produced with a lanyard swivel (factory installed swivels are drilled with a jig and always 1/10" forward of center). Post war #s read with barrel to the left and are all offset to the rear.
ASSEMBLY (factory work, soft fitting) #s: These multi-digit numbers of 3 to 5 digits, are on the yoke at the hinge, in the 'yoke cut' of the frame opposite the yoke near the hinge (usually accompanied with the inspector's letter or # code stamp of approval, but not always), and inside of the sideplate, for the pre war and early post war period thru ~early 1958. Once the gun is shipped, the only use for the assembly # is to confirm they match on all three parts it's stamped on, and are original to the gun. These are still in use to this day.
After the 6/22/1957 change order, Model #s were assigned and eventually stamped on the frame in the yoke cut. The serial # was soon after added in the 'yoke cut' as well and the assembly # moved from there to the left side of the grip frame parallel to the butt. More currently beginning in the 1980's we see non-matching multi-digit numbers parallel to the butt left or right side, and inside the side plate.
Chiefs Special Pre model 36, model 36, and model 50 Targets:
• 58408 Baby Chief Target 2", sq butt here post #7: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...rch-survivors-list-redux.html?highlight=redux
• 312 in 1954-55, Pre Model 37 Airweight, 3 ½" barrel, reportedly but unconfirmed. These are not in the final count of 2136.
• First run of 100 in 1955, Pre Model 36, # ranges 55xxx and 57xxx (none in 56000 range), highest and lowest serial #s known 55050-57919, 2" Sq butt, 2nd style flat latch, 4 screw frames, pre war style hammer.
• 14 in 1956, Pre model 36, 2nd style flat latch, new Model of 1953 style hammer, these may still be 4 screw models.
• 198 in 1959, Pre Mod & Model 36, # range 149811-150133 (but 1 is #67812, 6/11/18), 2" Sq Butt, 2nd and 3rd style flat latch. Three screw frames, bright blue; most shipped in a blue sunburst style box.
• Sporadic production from 1965 – 1975, Mod 36/50, 2" and 3", Rd or Sq Butt, early w/3rd style flat latch until 1966 and/or diamond grips until 1968, a few with 3" bbl, RR front, W/O rear sight and wide trigger. Although assigned Model 50 in 1962, not stamped Mod 50 until 1973 per Roy Jinks letter.
• 1006 in 1966, Model 36, # 391773-392778, 2" Sq Butt. 3rd style Flat latch or standard Thumb Piece with diamond grips.
• 568 made in 1973-1975, Mod 50, # 930J45 – 936J19, 2" Sq Butt, standard thumbpiece. 3 known in nickel that lettered as 36-1, SCSW 3rd, p. 217, which appear to be left over from this Mod 50 production based on serial #s*.
• 213 in 1975 (only 202 sold), Model 36-1 (-1 due to HB), # range 2J3134 – 2J3347 (actually 214 S/Ns), with a front sight base and pinned 3" HB (w/o barrel shroud), and Sq Butt. Appear to be the only Targets with ramp base front sight prior to the Mod 36-6s with full shroud. Special feature code on box label: G347. A few nickel* versions exist, see below.
• 37 in 1978, Mod 50, prefix # range 933JXX – 936JXX, 2", Sq Butt. Perhaps because it wouldn't fit on the 2" barrel, these do not have front sight ramp base like the Model 36-1 of 1975 production*.
• 2000 in 1989, Mod 36-6, Special edition un-cataloged, 3" full lug barrel and Rd Butt, front sight ramp base, .340 combat trigger, standard hammer, black bead blasted. Letter from Roy:
Photo credit: two-bit cowboy
• 1991, Mod 36-8 with full-lug, limited edition; likely rd butt, no more info known: 3"? reg blue? Rd or sq butt? # made?
• "Mystery" Target 36-10 c.2000 3" HB Full Lug 38 Spl. BLUE, w/lanyard ring on the J Magnum frame w/MIM hammer and thumbpiece. Best theory is, since the box states "special order" it's a foreign contract over run (shown below).
• 58408 Baby Chief Target 2", sq butt here post #7: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...rch-survivors-list-redux.html?highlight=redux
• 312 in 1954-55, Pre Model 37 Airweight, 3 ½" barrel, reportedly but unconfirmed. These are not in the final count of 2136.
• First run of 100 in 1955, Pre Model 36, # ranges 55xxx and 57xxx (none in 56000 range), highest and lowest serial #s known 55050-57919, 2" Sq butt, 2nd style flat latch, 4 screw frames, pre war style hammer.
• 14 in 1956, Pre model 36, 2nd style flat latch, new Model of 1953 style hammer, these may still be 4 screw models.
• 198 in 1959, Pre Mod & Model 36, # range 149811-150133 (but 1 is #67812, 6/11/18), 2" Sq Butt, 2nd and 3rd style flat latch. Three screw frames, bright blue; most shipped in a blue sunburst style box.
• Sporadic production from 1965 – 1975, Mod 36/50, 2" and 3", Rd or Sq Butt, early w/3rd style flat latch until 1966 and/or diamond grips until 1968, a few with 3" bbl, RR front, W/O rear sight and wide trigger. Although assigned Model 50 in 1962, not stamped Mod 50 until 1973 per Roy Jinks letter.
• 1006 in 1966, Model 36, # 391773-392778, 2" Sq Butt. 3rd style Flat latch or standard Thumb Piece with diamond grips.
• 568 made in 1973-1975, Mod 50, # 930J45 – 936J19, 2" Sq Butt, standard thumbpiece. 3 known in nickel that lettered as 36-1, SCSW 3rd, p. 217, which appear to be left over from this Mod 50 production based on serial #s*.
• 213 in 1975 (only 202 sold), Model 36-1 (-1 due to HB), # range 2J3134 – 2J3347 (actually 214 S/Ns), with a front sight base and pinned 3" HB (w/o barrel shroud), and Sq Butt. Appear to be the only Targets with ramp base front sight prior to the Mod 36-6s with full shroud. Special feature code on box label: G347. A few nickel* versions exist, see below.
• 37 in 1978, Mod 50, prefix # range 933JXX – 936JXX, 2", Sq Butt. Perhaps because it wouldn't fit on the 2" barrel, these do not have front sight ramp base like the Model 36-1 of 1975 production*.
• 2000 in 1989, Mod 36-6, Special edition un-cataloged, 3" full lug barrel and Rd Butt, front sight ramp base, .340 combat trigger, standard hammer, black bead blasted. Letter from Roy:
• 1991, Mod 36-8 with full-lug, limited edition; likely rd butt, no more info known: 3"? reg blue? Rd or sq butt? # made?
• "Mystery" Target 36-10 c.2000 3" HB Full Lug 38 Spl. BLUE, w/lanyard ring on the J Magnum frame w/MIM hammer and thumbpiece. Best theory is, since the box states "special order" it's a foreign contract over run (shown below).
Why is everybody talking about Chiefs/36/60 when he says here it is a 1955? Isn't that a 45 ACP?
This is Post#9 in this thread. The upper right info in the post header says he has 10 posts.
Could have been but my money is on an after market gunsmiths. We've seen a few of these over the years. They were very well done and looked like factory work but those that were lettered did not come from the factory as target models. And two or three that were originally shipped as fixed sight guns went to the same gun shop in the midwest somewhere as I recall.
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