.44 S&W Special CTG

[Skydog]

I just inherited this .44 Sepecial target pistol from my late father. I can't find it in the latest Blue Book. Serial number 178XX. Any ideas?

[Johnny P]

Would need to know the manufacturer and model. Picture?

[mustanggt]

N-frame? Model of1950? like Johnny said.

[Skydog]

Smith and Wesson....looks like a K Frame. 6'" barrel with factory target sights

[Johnny P]

I don't believe it is going to be a .44 Special on a K frame. What are the markings under the crane?

[Skydog]

It looks like a Smith and Wesson Model 24 on the GA website, but it has no model number stamped on it.

[da gimp]

pre model 1950 N frame most likely, it might be possible for it to be a Mod 3 if it is a top break (unlikely though).

[gwp]

Serial number 178XX would be for a .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model manufactured around 1921. If it is a Target Model (Partridge front sight on a raised and pinned boss with adjustable rear sight) it is worth two to three times more than the standard 6.5” Hand Ejector. There is a premium for 4” or 5” standard .44 Hand Ejector.

A post war S&W would have a letter prefix in the serial number.

Ref: Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd Ed. Page 159

[Tuna]

You have one of the S&W .44 Hand Ejectors. If it has an adjustable rear sight it's the model 4 target model. Only about 5,050 of these were made between 1950 and 1966.

[Tuna]

gwp is correct as I didn't notice the serial number before.

[Skydog]

Thanks guys.....Looks like I got a keeper!