Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 24 .44 Spl. 5″ N-Frame Revolver, King Sight, C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,301.00

LSB#: LSB250708MS071

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .44 Special Target, Pre-Model 24 (The Model of 1950)

Serial Number: S161411

Year of Manufacture: 1956–1957, C&R

Caliber: .44 Special

Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Six-Shot Fluted Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5” – factory configuration was 6 ½”, the barrel has been professionally shortened to 5″.

Markings:
The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” with gold-filled lettering. The right side of the barrel is marked “44 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.” with gold-fill. The sideplate has the S&W monogram logo, also gold-filled. The butt, barrel flat, rear of the cylinder, and inside of the ejector shroud are all matching and marked with the serial number “S161411”. The yoke cut is marked with the assembly number “63004”. The front sight blade is marked “KING PAT. PEND.”.

Sights / Optics:
The front sight is a King ramped base with a red insert, currently fitted with a fiberoptic red rod. The rear sight is a square-notch micrometer click adjustable rear sight, serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition:
The grips are period-correct diamond Magna stocks with S&W medallions. They have a glossy sheen and show light handling wear with minor marks. The checkering remains sharp. These grips are not numbered to the revolver. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, with gold-filled rollmarks.

Finish Originality: Original finish with added gold-fill in the rollmarks.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore but there is stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition:
This revolver retains about 90% of its finish. There is thinning on the edges, a turn line on the cylinder, and scattered handling marks throughout. The high-polish blue remains strong with fine luster. The screw heads show light use but remain serviceable. The markings are clear and crisp. Overall, this revolver rates in about Fine condition as customized.

Mechanics:
The action functions correctly with a smooth double-action pull and a crisp single-action break. The hammer and trigger show jeweling, adding to the custom work. The lock-up is tight with minimal play and the timing is correct. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment:

This revolver is a Pre-Model 24, the Smith & Wesson 1950 .44 Special Target, one of the finest N-frame target revolvers of its day. While most of these were shipped with 6 1/2″ barrels, this example has been cut down to a handier 5″, a modification often favored by lawmen and serious shooters in the 1950s and ’60s who wanted the balance and portability of a shorter barrel while still enjoying the .44 Special’s legendary accuracy and controllability.

The front sight has been upgraded with a King red bead ramp, a coveted period aftermarket feature, though this one has been further updated with a fiberoptic insert — a nod to modern visibility while preserving the classic King base. The factory rollmarks have been dressed with gold fill, giving this revolver a striking custom appearance without detracting from its vintage charm. Combined with the jeweled hammer and trigger, it carries the unmistakable air of a revolver tailored for both pride of ownership and serious use.

For the collector, this is an opportunity to own a 1950 Target .44 Special with character, blending factory pedigree with period modifications. While not in untouched factory form, it embodies the very spirit of the postwar custom revolver culture — when shooters weren’t afraid to make their Smith & Wessons their own. For shooters and collectors alike, this revolver stands as both a fine .44 Special and a testament to mid-century craftsmanship and taste. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid.