First Post: My Pre-29 4 Screw?

Ragehammer · #1 01-28-2014, 10:30 PM

Howdy all:

This is my first post, but I've perused this forum before for information. This my (assumed to be) pre-29 S&W 4-screw.

I traded a 7.5" bbl Ruger Blackhawk plus $100 for this at a gunshow probably 12+ years ago, looking for a lighter gun for my sojourns in Alaska, and only recently started looking more closely at it when I was considering having it refinished.

If I've done my homework correctly the screw in front of the trigger guard makes it a 4-screw model (not shown in pic, but it's there), and the serial number would put it in the early 1957 range (S-1679XXA, what does the A mean?).

It looks like these aren't the period correct grips either (nor do they fit perfectly).

There is some holster wear at the muzzle, the ring around the cylinder, and some odd markings above the grip on the back and on the right sideplate.

I have never estimated a guns condition, but with these flaws what % would you forum-colleagues estimate this revolver to be in? And how would it be valued on the market?

Am also considering some Kurac grips, if it will help with resale value.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

moosedog · #2 01-28-2014, 10:43 PM

It looks nice from the pictures shown. Never seen a "A" at the end of a serial number in that range before.
Not sure on the strange markings you speak of. Maybe a close up of those would help.
If your going to sell it, I wouldn't go buying after market grips for it. Just my 2 cents.

arjay · #3 01-28-2014, 10:55 PM

The grips are from the 70s more or less.Refinishing it is a toss up whether you would get that cost back out of it .It looks like a nice vintage shooter the way it is now.

JayCeeNC · #4 01-29-2014, 12:12 AM

The S167xxx number is a very early number for a 4-screw frame.
A picture of the serial number on the butt would help.
If I recall (and someone may come along and correct me) when the factory accidentally stamped two frames with identical serial numbers one got an "A" suffix to make it unique.

Ragehammer · #5 01-29-2014, 12:46 AM

Here is a photo of the Butt stamp (it has the clip for a Hogue monogrip kinda in the way of the "S", I since took it off to put the wood stocks back on it).

semperfi71 · #6 01-29-2014, 01:15 AM

Welcome to the Forum!

Nice sixgun. The stocks look to be proper fit to me. Refinishing would probably not increase the value but lower your profit if you sold it. Adding Kuracs would be about the same.

I'm not knowledgeable to offer a price opinion. You might post better pictures that are more clear. We do have some knowledgeable folks here and they might be along soon.

Doc44 · #7 01-29-2014, 10:16 AM

The A indicates a duplicate serial number is out there and the A was stamped to make your serial number unique. There are several other M44 Magnums with A serial numbers in the S167000 range. Your 44 Magnum is an early 4-screw and was probably shipped in March-May of 1957. The earliest 4-screw I have in my records is in the S167400 range and was shipped in March 1957.

The "crowned" windage adjustment screw indicates the rear sight may not be original. A screw with a flat head was used through 1958. Is there a date stamp (month and year on the grip frame, 6 59 for example), or a R-S or B-Bi inside of a rectangle stamped on the grip frame?

Bill

Ragehammer · #8 01-29-2014, 10:16 PM

Here are some photos I took of the grip frame this evening. Also some close-up pics of the sideplate and backstrap markings (look like they may have formed around a differently shaped grip?).

Thanks for the information so far!

WCCPHD · #9 01-29-2014, 10:31 PM

I have a first year five screw 44 Magnum that has similar wear (bluing loss) on the side plate. I believe it was cause by someone putting Pachmayr grips on it in the past. They are notorious for allowing condensation to form and holding it in. I put a spare set I had laying around on it to check and the semi-circular blue loss matches the outline of the top of the rubber grip. Your issues may have a similar cause.

Bill