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Make: Smith & Wesson
Model:.44 Hand Ejector 4th Model of 1950 Target, Pre-Model 24, 5-Screw, Square Butt N-Frame
Serial Number: S99475
Year of Manufacture:1950-1955 (model introduced in 1950, upper sideplate screw eliminated in 1955)
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action, 6-Shot, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Barrel Length: 6 1/2”, Pinned, Ribbed, with shrouded ejector rod.
Sights / Optics: The target sights consist of a double pinned serrated ramp with red insert front sight, and a micrometer adjustable rear sight set into the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth ivory Magna stocks with “S&W” silver-colored medallions at their tops. There is a thin dark hairline surface crack in the upper left grip below the medallion, another one in the same grip above the screw escutcheon, and one more in the bottom edge of the right grip. There are a few small brownish spots at the upper right grip. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some very light fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is finish loss at the muzzle. There is an intermittent turn line on the cylinder. The face of the cylinder shows minimal burn marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces light side to side movement. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment:The name Smith & Wesson has been synonymous with finely crafted American made firearms since 1852. In 1907, Smith & Wesson introduced the .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model, often called the “New Century” or “Triple Lock”. It was the first side-swing cylinder handgun in S&W’s .44 Hand Ejector series, and marked the introduction of the .44 Special cartridge, the predecessor of .44 Magnum. After a number of years, Smith & Wesson felt that the price of the “New Century” was too expensive, so they eliminated the ejector rod shroud and the third lock to reduce the price. They made several other minor changes over the years, and in 1950, for the 4th Model, they returned to the ejector rod shroud.
This Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 4th Model of 1950 Target was made between 1950-1955 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 6.5” barrel, 98% of its lustrous, original blued finish, with strong, vibrant, iridescent case coloring on the checkered hammer and serrated trigger, gorgeous smooth ivory Magna grips with “S&W” silver-colored medallions at their tops, target sights, rock solid mechanics, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion (only some light very fouling in the grooves). This is a rare beauty with its incredible blued finish and scarce ivory grips, and is deserving of a spot in a high-end Smith & Wesson collection.