S&W 44 Mag pre-29?
I just bought a S&W 44 mag. I believe it is a model 29. It's stamped Smith & Wesson on the left side of the barrel and 44 Magnum on the right. It has a 6.5 inch barrel. It came with a presentation box with barrel cleaning tools and screwdriver. It also has the warranty card with the date April 15, 1955.
My question is this, the book I have says the model 29 was made 1956-1998. Is this a pre-29 model? How can I tell? The book also says there are different types...3,4,and 5 screw. What screws do they mean?
I bought the gun from a friend of our family who's husband recently passed. She said he bought it new 40 or 50 years ago. She could never remember him ever shooting it. Only cleaning it. It is in excellent cond. and looks like it has been shot only a few times. Maybe only at the factory. Does anyone know what it might be worth or how I can find out. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.
My question is this, the book I have says the model 29 was made 1956-1998. Is this a pre-29 model? How can I tell? The book also says there are different types...3,4,and 5 screw. What screws do they mean?
I bought the gun from a friend of our family who's husband recently passed. She said he bought it new 40 or 50 years ago. She could never remember him ever shooting it. Only cleaning it. It is in excellent cond. and looks like it has been shot only a few times. Maybe only at the factory. Does anyone know what it might be worth or how I can find out. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.
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It sounds like you may have a pre-model 29 .44mag. They came in a black presentation case.
It should have a 5 screw frame. This can be identified by a screw on the right side of the frame between the hammer and the cylinder, and another on the front of the triggerguard.
Smith revolvers had 5 screw frames, like above, until about 1955 when they eliminated the side plate screw in front of the hammer. In 1961 the trigger guard screw was eliminated. One of the right side plate screws is covered by the grips if the gun has large target type grips.
After elimination of the trigger guard screw in 61', the guns were referred to as 3 screw.
There should be a diamond pattern around the grip screw hole. If the serial # is around S130000 to S167500 then you have a pre 29 gun.
The value in excellent cond is $1100.00 for a 5 screw, and $600.00 for a 4 screw.
"Never let school interfere with your education"0 -
It is definately a five screw and the serial number fits. It's exactly how you described it. Thanks Laredo. 0
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