Smith & Wesson S&W .45 Hand Ejector 1950 Military Army Pre-22, Revolver & Box, 1956-57 C&R .45 ACP

SOLD FOR: $1,427.44
LSB#: 190313CD06

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: The .45 Hand Ejector Model of 1950, Military (a.k.a. 1950 Army, a.k.a. Pre-Model 22)

Serial Number: S156161

Year of Manufacture: 1956-1957 (“Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson”, P397)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder and Internal Lock

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “45 CAL. MODEL 1950”. The sideplate has a S&W monogram logo and the right of the frame has the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The crane and crane cut are each marked “70281” and with inspection marks, the left of the grip frame also has inspection marks. The butt is marked “S” and “156161”, the underside of the ejector star is marked “156161”. The inside of the right grip panel is stamped “156 / 161”.

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade integral to a rectangular base forged to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the rear of the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons and S&W medallions at their tops. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered light compressions, scuffs and nicks. There are no chips or cracks.

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.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at most edges. The barrel has finish wear on the left at the muzzle and a few scattered light marks. The grip straps show handling wear and there are some scattered light marks in the frame. The cylinder has a thin turn-line with finish wear at the front and rear of each flute and some scattered light marks. The trigger and hammer retain strong case-coloring. Serrations on the trigger and checkering on the hammer, thumbpiece and ejector rod are sharp. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single action trigger is crisp and the double action is smooth. The cylinder lock up has almost no play on each chamber. The chambers are cut with shelves for the cases to headspace on, allowing the use of .45 ACP without moon clips, however without moon clips the ejector will not pick up the shells. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a two-piece gold cardboard Smith & Wesson box with metal reinforced corners, matching model information on the ends, the serial number written in orange on one end of the lid portion and in pencil on the bottom of the tray portion. The box has scattered wear, mostly at edges and corners with light wear on the interior from the revolver, in about Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: This model was introduced in 1951, despite being called The Model of 1950, and was chambered for the US military sidearm cartridge .45 ACP. The model was discontinued in 1966 after having received the number designation Model 22 in 1957. This example is from just before the model numbers were introduced, made in 1956 or 1957 and is in Very Good condition. The revolver retains about 87% of its metal finish with wear consistent with responsible use and handling, a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion, and strong mechanics. The revolver comes in its original “gold picture” box with a picture of the model embossed on the lid with the serial number written in grease-pencil on the bottom. According to the Standard Catalog, fewer than 4,000 of this model were produced, making this revolver, especially with its original box, a great find for the Smith & Wesson collector. If a shooter manages to take the winning bid, this should prove to be about the best .45 ACP revolver on the market with old-school craftsmanship and style. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible handgun CAN be transferred as a dealer sale in California. This handgun CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. All cartridge firing handguns sold to a California resident must be DROS’d at a California Firearms Dealer. This does not apply to out of state residents.