Smith & Wesson S&W .44 Hand Ejector 4th Model Target Pre-Model 24, Blued 6 ½” SA/DA Double Action Revolver, MFD 1955-56 C&R
Sold For: $1,501.00
LSB#: 170401AL04
Make: Smith and Wesson
Model: .44 Hand Ejector 4th Model Target (Pre-Model 24)
Serial Number: S145472
Year of Manufacture: 1955-1956 (Standard Catalog of S&W, 3rd Edition)
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: Single and Double Action with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Smith & Wesson”. The right side of the frame is marked with the 4 line “Marcus Registradas” address. The right side of the barrel is marked “44 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG.”. The right sideplate is marked with the S&W logo. The yoke flat is marked “6”, “61266” and 8”. The yoke is marked “61233”. The bottom of the grip is marked “S 145472” and the front face of the star is marked “472”. The left side of the grip frame is marked “4” and “6”.
Barrel Length: The pinned barrel is 6 ½” in length.
Sights / Optics: The revolver is mounted with a tall blade front sight with a vertical rear face that is painted bright red. The sight is fixed to a ramped base which is integral with the barrel’s full length serrated rib. The rear sight is a square notched target sight adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are oversized checkered walnut with a lacquered finish that enclose the bottom of the grip frame. The panels have S&W medallions on each side at the top and smooth diamonds around the grip screw. There is light oil staining at the tops of the grips and along the front edge of the left grip. The smooth borders show no marks that could find. The checkering shows very light wear. There are no chips or cracks noted. The grips rate in about Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: The revolver is blued with case colored hammer and trigger.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is a spot of thinning on the top of the barrel rib midway between the muzzle and the frame, thinning on the edges of the cylinder latch, and thinning on the ejector rod. There are a few light marks in the barrel and on the lower right edge of the frame and trigger guard, two light marks on the left side of the frame below the cylinder window and a light drag line in the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The double action trigger pull is smooth and the single action break is light and crisp. The cylinder lockup shows a barely discernable amount of play on all 6 chambers. The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a blued trigger shoe with a serrated front face mounted on the trigger.
Our Assessment: This is a large S&W 6 shot DA revolver built on their heavy N frame and chambered in .44 Special. It is a .44 Hand Ejector 4th Model Target that later became the Model 24. It has a long 6 ½” barrel with full rib, adjustable target sights and oversized checkered walnut grips. This revolver is in about Excellent condition with 98% of its original finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. This revolver is in fantastic condition for its age, and is sure to catch the eye of the collectors out there. Although this model had a rather long production period, from 1950-1966, there were only about 5050 made according to “The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” by Supica and Nahas, making this a somewhat rare model.
