Aprox. Value of S&W 1950 Target .44?

[Uncle Jaque]

My late Father bought this 1950 Target S&W, with 5.5" barrel, back in the middle 1960s as I recall.
It was my favorite handgun to shoot when we went to the range together, and after he passed on I inherited it.

.....

Although the .44 special is my favorite handgun round, I haven't shoot the Smith much since I inherited it; it just seemed too nice to be packing around in a holster or banging around with at the range.

I got a 1911A1 .45 that I was packing as my carry gun and sort of focused on that in stead.

Last year I finally found a good repro of an 1873 "Hogleg" Colt in .44 Special, which is a lot more utilitarian and a good shooter, and which I don't have to feel guilty about packing around.

Yesterday I was showing some of my hardware to a fellow club member who I have done some trading with, and who is quite a collector. He was quite enarmoured with the '50, which is in about 98%+ condition in it's original wooden box with original accessories, minus the bore swab. Although I had put Pachmeyer grips on for shooting, I was able to dig up the original wooden factory grips and re-installed them, as I understand the piece is more valuable as a collectable with it's original grips.

My pal wants to purchase the Smith, and wants to know how much I want for it - well, not being a "serious" collector per se I really don't have much of a clue.
He looked on some of the auction sites and couldn't find any examples to track for the "going rate". I guess these guns are getting pretty scarce.

I hate to sell it out of the family but it's almost too nice to shoot, and my guns have to earn their keep. Since I don't get a big kick out of keeping a gun just to "have" it or show it off now and then, It might be about time to pass it on to someone who does.

Would anyone care to venture a guess as to how much I ought to be reasonably asking for this revolver? I want to make a square deal with the guy, but don't want to take a drubbing on it either.

TIA - UJ in ME

 

[CSA 357]

I cant tell you a price, but if it was mine and had BEEN my dads it would never be for sale, not what you wanted to hear? Im sure there will be more that think like this, i too love the 44 spec csa

 

[earplug]

Shoot it, Keep it

Its not to nice to shoot. It is too nice to sell.
Keep it in the family, you could enjoy it if you worked at it.

 

[SaxonPig]

This is why I never understand folks who keep guns and don't use them so they can pass them on to relatives who then ask what the guns are worth so they can sell them. My mom had to sell my dad's guns when he died and left no insurance and we needed to eat. I wish I had even one of them but I don't.

The 1950 44 Target has a 6.5" barrel and the stocks are junk replacements. The box is not original to this gun but is worth about $75 by itself.

I'd say your dad's 1950 is worth around $1,000-$1,200 as is.

 

[Gordon]

KEEP IT! It is the best and it was your dad's !!!!!!!!! Worth $1500 with the original grips and climbing everyday that passes!

 

[Shade00]

I, too, would not sell it. With the original grips, as you mentioned you still had, the gun would definitely be in the $1500 territory. BUT - you don't see them very often and I would want to shoot it. Just treat it well at the range (i.e. don't holster it and bang it around) and you can put plenty of rounds through it without damaging it.

 

[BADUNAME37]

I also would not sell it, but would rather shoot it. It is nice, but it really should be enjoyed!
Since I'm a reloader, I would work up a nice calm, but DEADLY ACCURATE load for the gun and enjoy every shot I took out of it!

Enjoy and remember your dad (with fond memories) whenever you shoot it!

 

[Majic]

It has earned it's keep because it was your dad's gun. It has a history as it was used when you and your dad went shooting. Nothing else can bring back those memories. Keep it if for no more reason than your dad left it to you because it was your favorite gun to shoot when the both of you went shooting. That is what makes family heirlooms and yes they are getting somewhat scarce. After the 1500 dollars from the sale is spent what will bring back the memories of going shooting with your dad?

 

[PRM]

Don't Sell

Unless you are starving, keep it - you will regret selling it at some point.

 

[Evyl Robot]

That is simply gorgeous! Your Dad's gun? It's priceless. Tell your gun collector buddy to get lost. --Well, not in those words exactly. You can be nice about it, but don't sell it. It's a treasure, not a commodity.

--Michael

 

[chriske]

I agree with all of the above. I know that I regret all the guns I ever sold.
(Well, most, anyway... not the Taurus)

 

[Revolver fanatic]

Hello
That Presentation case may be original to that gun as they started making that style case in the late 1950's Early 1960's and if it has the upper mold that is Impressed to fit the gun it was called a Clam shell case.The Original large Target style Coke Bottle Profile grips are worth $350.00 alone if nice and the case would bring another $125.00 due to it's Odd 6-1/2" length. The screw driver looks to be correct along with the 6-1/2" Cleaning rod. The gun alone would bring $1500.00. But I sure would not sell it for any price. Revolver Fanatic

 

[jdomin]

keep the gun get a set of original grips . trust me you will regret selling something your dad left you

 

[easyrider604]

If it were my Dad's gun, it will never be sold. Just because.

 

[Majic]

The Original large Target style Coke Bottle Profile grips are worth $350.00 alone if nice and the case would bring another $125.00 due to it's Odd 6-1/2" length.

Coke bottles were generally found on the Model .44 Magnum and the early Model 57. They were found on a few other N-frames but not very often. Also the 6-1/2 inch barrel was not odd. Most if not all of the target N-frames of that era was offered in the 6-1/2 inch barrel and that's what you commonly find today.