what model S&W

[hoochburn]

I have an older S&W revolver build date is I think 1957. It has a 4" barrel & fixed sights. cal. is .44spl. . ser.#S142678. I've been told it is a model of 1950 M&P, also been told it's a model 21. Can anyone clear this up for me? Is this an early version of the thunder ranch .44spl.? This is a VERY nice revolver with about (I would guess) 95-98% bluing. Any help would be wonderful.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Have you tried opening the cylinder and looking at the model number stamped on the frame?

 

[FPrice]

It has a 4" barrel & fixed sights. cal. is .44spl. . ser.#S142678.

What you appear to have is a .44 Hand Ejector Fourth Model Military (The Model of 1950 .44 Military) - "Pre-Model 21" made about 1955. There will be no model number stamped in the crane as this was made about two years before model numbers were introduced. In 95-98% condition this might be worth $1250 according to Supica and Nahas since only about 1,200 were produced.

 

[hoochburn]

Thanks alot,you've been very helpful. I've had this one about ten years, I think I'll hang on to it.

 

[hoochburn]

There is no model# stamped in the crane.

 

[Joe45acp]

Very rare and very valueable. If it is in as good of condition as you say it should be worth anywhere between 2,500~3,500. Post a pic or if you can pls email me one.

Thanks

Joe

 

[Majic]

While scarce I wouldn't call them very rare. In the 1920s thru the 1940s many rural LEOs who carried big bore Smiths used the .44 HE M&P. The Model of 1950 .44 M&P represented the end of that era. If the stocks are original and possibly if the box and paperwork are available then you should get $1500 to $1800 for it maybe up to $2000 if someone really wants it. Getting $2500 to $3500 for it is a bit of a stretch as you can find some nice Triplelocks in that price range.

 

[hoochburn]

No box,no paper work, just some old S&W wax paper and I dont know if thats original. stocks appear to be original.

 

[Majic]

Then I would say $1200 to $1500.

 

[thatguy]

One of these was recently offered on the S&W Forum at (I think) $2,500 and it sold within minutes with several others bemoaning that they had missed it,

 

[Majic]

Many bought that one. It was listed at $3500, but who knows what he paid. He has been spending good money building specific collections. There was some congratulations and some shock at the price, but no one bemoaning at missing out.
If a $2500 to $3500 price tag can net you a sale then all the best to you, but I and others have seen them cheaper. Now some of the older models will net that and much much more.

 

[hoochburn]

Thanks again for all the help with the model and value of this revolver. I dont intend to sell it,but it's nice to have some idea of value should I ever do so. In the ten or so years I have owend it, I have taken it out and shot it one time. The trigger is smoother than more modern S&W's I have. The lock work must be totally different. I dare not to remove the side plate to find out. Can you tell me if the THUNDER RANCH is supposed to be a modern version of this. I would not mind having one for a shooter if they are the same.

 

[FPrice]

The trigger is smoother than more modern S&W's I have. The lock work must be totally different.

I think S&W lockwork has remained essentially the same since shortly after commercial production resumed after WWII. The smoothness you feel is probably from the care in manufacturing you find back then. I believe that the Thunder Ranch is a moern version of this revolver.