One 44 Magnum was shipped in December 1955 (to R. H. Coleman at Remington on December 29...it was a regular production revolver, most likely the second one completed). Its serial number is S130806.

The directive to delete the upper side plate screw for N-frame revolvers was issued in September 1956 and 44 Magnums with a 4-screw frame began to be shipped in early 1957 (S167000 serial number range). Model numbers for the 44 Magnum started at approximately S184000 (late 1958), so there is a range of approximately 17,000 serial numbers for 4-screw 44 Magnums with no model number (the 44 Magnum shares serial numbers with all N-frames, so the actual number produced is much less).

Although, I know there were more than two, the known prototype serial numbers are S121836 and S121839. The former is a show and photo sample revolver and the latter was used to complete the development of the 44 Magnum cartridge.

Bill