This is a Smith & Wesson 1950 Target in .44 Special, the five-screw N-frame that collectors call the pre-Model 24, serial S143827, made around 1955. It has a 6.5-inch barrel, a blue finish that retains about 90 percent with wear scattered across it, and coke-bottle target grips with diamond checkering that show a few nicks and marks. One point to know before buying: the cylinder has been reamed for a longer cartridge, but only .44 Special should be fired in this gun.

For a New Mexico owner this is a range revolver and a collector piece, not a carry gun. The purchase follows the usual state path: no permit, no registration, a NICS check at the dealer and a seven-calendar-day wait unless you hold a valid New Mexico concealed handgun license. You must be 21 and will present photo ID and complete Form 4473 when the dealer releases it.

Key features

• .44 Special, 6.5-inch barrel
• Five-screw N-frame pre-Model 24
• About 90 percent original blue
• Diamond-checkered coke bottle target grips
• Cylinder reamed; fire .44 Special only

Handguns ship to a New Mexico FFL dealer, where the background check and any waiting period are completed before transfer.