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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: S147447
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, with shrouded ejector rod.
Sights / Optics: The target sights consist of a pinned Patridge front sight with a pre-micro adjustable rear sight set into the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut Target grips with the “Football” cut in the upper left panel to enhance ejection and ease speedloading, and with “smooth diamonds” around the grip screw escutcheons. They are marked inside the right grip panel with a serial number matching that of the revolver. There are no compressions or draglines. The most noticeable marks are on the bottom of the panels. There is some finish loss in the “Football”. There are tiny scratches. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good Plus Condition.
Type of Finish: Bright 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 light fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some little nicks and a few small hairline scratches, most notably on the front sight base. There is light finish loss on the crane arm. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The face of the cylinder is missing some finish. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus 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 Fine Plus Condition. It features a 6.5” barrel, 95% of its lustrous, original and scarce Bright Blued finish, with strong, vibrant, iridescent case coloring on the checkered hammer and serrated trigger, elegant, serial-matching checkered walnut Target grips with the “Football” cut in the upper left panel to enhance ejection and ease speedloading, and with “smooth diamonds” around the grip screw escutcheons, target sights, rock solid mechanics, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion (only some light fouling in the grooves). This revolver looks exquisite considering its age, and is deserving of a spot in a high-end Smith & Wesson collection.