Smith & Wesson S&W 1955 .45 Target Model Pre 25 .45 ACP 6.5″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1725
LSB#: 220207DA007
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: The 1955 .45 Target Heavy Barrel, Pre-Model 25
Serial Number: S159790
Year of Manufacture: 1956-1957
Caliber: .45 ACP & .45 Auto Rim
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “45 CAL. MODEL 1955”. The side plate has S&W’s monogram logo, the right side of the frame has the four line Marcas Registradas. The sides of the grip frame have inspection marks, the butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke and yoke cut are marked with inspection marks. The interior of the ejector rod shroud, rear face of the cylinder, front face of the ejector (no letter prefix), and rear face of the yoke (no letter prefix) are marked with the serial number. The interior of the right grip panel is marked “166 / 105”.
Barrel Length: 6 1/2?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade pinned to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the serrated barrel rib. The front sight has had pink paint applied The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation. The rear sight leaf has been painted white.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut target stocks with S&W medallions and smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. There is a chip loss on the right panel on the bottom front corner. There is a small crack on the left panel at the corner where the backstrap widens into the frame. There are a few little scratches, the most noticeable are on the bottom faces. There is a scrape on the bottom face of the left panel. There are some scattered light handling marks. The checkering is generally strong. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as replacements.
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 95% of its metal finish. This revolver has the “W” mainspring. There are a few little spots of finish loss on the frame under the grips. There is some finish loss and thinning on the edge of the barrel at the muzzle and on the right side at the rear. There is some thining and discoloration on the left side of the frame at the barrel. There are some little spots of surface oxidation on the back of the frame above the grip frame. There are a few little spots of light thinning on the frame and there is some thinning on some of the edges, most noticeable on the bottom edge below the yoke. There are a few little marks on the cylinder and there are a few little spots of thinning. There is a thin turn line through the finish on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: This revolver has the “W” mainspring. The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single-action trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks up with light play on each of the six chambers. 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: Moonclips are included.
Our Assessment: This is Smith & Wesson’s 1955 .45 Target Model, a heavy barreled target revolver chambered in .45 ACP with a 6 1/2? barrel, adjustable sights, target trigger and target hammer. The model would later go on to become the model 25. The .45 ACP is still a popular caliber with a wide variety of ammunition available at reasonable prices (usually). This one has a “W” shaped mainspring which according to Elmer Keith is much superior to the traditional single leaf since it eliminates the trigger return spring. This example is in about Fine condition with about 95% of its original finish with some light wear, a bright bore and strong mechanics. While large for concealed carry, this revolver would be great for target shooting as the name implies, as a hunting sidearm, or even home defense. Please see our pictures and good luck!