Which Better: S&W Model 1950 Target or Heritage Series .45ACP

[Connecticut Yankee]

For the Smith people out there, is there a clear advantage in fit or reliablitiy for a .45 ACP Model 1950 Target (or a Model 26 if I am remembering correctly) versus the new Heritage series in the same caliber? I know the Heritage has some modern features but if you had to choose between the two which would you buy and why? Thanks and good luck.

 

[happy old sailor]

i would get the SnW if for no other reason than general principle. that said, i had a 1955 model 55 .45 acp, if i also remember correctly, i even know the guy that stole it, but, alas, no proof. he was told to carry his ass and never come around again. he blustered, but did so. what i have to say here is that i got very tired of moon clips until i found about .45 auto rims. prob solved. still have them somewhere. guy did not take them, yunno. recommend that if you get either of those revolvers, look into the .45AR.

 

[happy old sailor]

sorry, i think that was a model 25 after all. when i make an error, i can always fall back on my age as an alibi. am in my eighth decade, so there. anyway my reply was about ammo, not guns. hope i have helped.

 

[Lone Star]

I owned one, but can't recall if it was marked M-26. It was probably made in the late '50's or early 60's. I owned it about 1970, one of my first guns.

The fit was wonderful, but the blue wasn't too bright, although better than a Hiway Patrolman.

The main reason why I sold it is that it wouldn't shoot lead bullets worth sour grapes. And, for the bulk, I could carry a .44 Magnum or at least, a .44 Special with fairly warm handloads.

Lone Star

 

[Tom C.]

The Heritage revolvers and the Model 1950 have a somewhat slender barrel. I prefer the heavier barrel of the Model 1955/Model 25-2. I also prefer a shorter barrel. I had my Model 25-2 shortened to 5" from 6 1/2. Personal preference.
I would also hate to damage the finish on the case hardened frame of the Heritage revolvers.

 

[zeke]

Conneticut Yankee-a lot of older Smith revolvers (44 special, 45 acp, 45 LC), especially the 45 acp models, may have ridiculusly over sized chamber throats. This may make accuracy an exercise in specialty handloading (larger, longer, maybe softer lead). If the 45 acp Heritage has the newer tighter throats, which i suspect it does, you would probably see a signifricant accuracy advantage with commonly available bullets. Especially with standard weight jacketed bullets.

Unless i was fulfilling a specific desire, would opt for the Heritage. Even if some believe the Heritage's are not quite up to the finely fitted older version.