Doc44

Model 629s with the barrel pin and counterbored chambers are being recognized by collectors as desirable guns to have in their collection. However, not much is published on the prototype Model 629s that were produced in 1978 prior to introducing the stainless 44 Magnum to the shooting public on December 1, 1978. Of course, this new revolver was announced in a more general way when it was featured in a story and on the cover of the March 1979 issue of Shooting Times. This commentary features a...

In mid- to late 1964, the ampersand on the right side of the frame was changed to the one shown in the first photo. This style was used until around the end of 1971, when it was changed to the modern style that was used for over a decade or more (second photo). As a note....the modern type ampersand was also used on the right side of the frame of the Model 53 when it was introduced in 1961. I don't know how long this style was used on the Model 53, but I know it later was changed to the type...

This is a difficult subject to discuss because the type of ampersand roll marked on the barrel on N-frame revolvers over the years varied not only with the timeframe when the gun was made, by also by model and barrel length. I will approach the subject by posting a photo of an ampersand type and describing what I know about its use. Readers are encouraged to post their own information in the comments section and ask questions that I will try to answer, or may be answered by another forum member....

The 44 Magnum was cataloged as a regular item in January 1956 and appeared in the January All Model Circular (first photo) and was featured on a single page advertisement (no date, but with a price of $135.00, shown in the second photo). The NEW revolver was advertised as being available with a 4- or 6 1/2-inch barrel and finished in bright blue or nickel. In 1956, Smith & Wesson produced approximately 3100 44 Magnum revolvers. Many have been documented by collectors, but only four are known...

Smith & Wesson continued to be a pioneer in the manufacture of handguns when it produced its famous Combat Magnum in stainless steel. The first run of revolvers was made on May 5, 1970 and the lowest serial number for the new Model 66 is K949100. This model was not officially announced by the company until over a year later in July 1971. A Model 66 with serial number K949140 is shown in the photographs below. It is one of the first one hundred made in May 1970 and was kept in the factory...