So one of my dealer/collector friends sends me a text today that he has a pre model 29 to offer. Blue, 6.5", 5-screw, really nice condition with the original cokes, no case or tools.

Now I know that the 5 screw pre-29's are more desirable/valuable. My question is, are the real late 5 screws which were made AFTER 4 screw production began worth any more or less, or more or less desirable than their earlier 5 screw counterparts?

After viewing his pics (a little mediocre, I'll post up some better ones if I end up getting it this weekend), I asked him for the S#. I was blown away when he gave it to me. My 4" 4-screw pre model 29 is lettered to have shipped on 3/14/1957 and is S# S 169327. This 6.5" 5 screw is S#S 174410 so almost at the end of the documented range of 5 screw pre-29s (SCSW says some are documented up to S 174500) and made after my 4 screw! While I know they did it and I've seen another 4" 5 screw numbered later than my 4 screw, it's seems to me to be unusual. I'm hoping I end up getting it and will post pics this weekend if I do.

Earl

Sounds interesting, Wondering if it has 6 groove tangs or 10 groove ? (my guess is 6 groove)

For comparison I have two five screw Pre 29's
Pre 29 .44 Magnum, 4" Barrel, Blue, Serial S 150214 Shipped Feb 1957
Pre 29 .44 Magnum, 4" Barrel, Blue, Serial S 168764 Shipped March 1957

I don't know yet, I can't tell from the pictures he sent. I will be sure to check when I get it. Now to sell a few things quick to pay for it Saturday

These two above do they have 6 or 10 groove, I have Pre 29 5 screw 4" No S168719 and it has 6 groove?

Apparently, S&W found some five screw frames in mid-1957 and used them to make 44 Magnums. I have seen one with a serial number in the S176000 range. The one I owned (S174000) has tangs with ten grooves and was serial number marked like a 4-screw (no s/n on the rear side of the yoke, in the extractor rod shroud, etc.). As far as value goes, one of these might be worth a small premium to a collector who is trying to obtain all the possible variations of the 44 Magnum.
Bill

Both of mine have 6 groove tangs

My guess would be less than $100 difference all other factors being equal.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

My 1957 6-1/2" blued 4-screw is s/n S177963. Beautiful piece with nice CB stocks...but I agree that the value of a 5-screw (for whatever reason) is slightly higher than a 4-screw. Difference of $100+ for a revolver is about right for this area, but sellers on GB put a real premium on 5-screws- especially with the proper box and goodies.

Thanks, if I get it tomorrow I'll post up pics then be on the hunt for the box and tools. Earl

Well I got it. All in all I'm very happy. For a 61 year old revolver it's in pretty good condition. It's been shot very little if at all - almost no turn line. It isn't stone cold mint - there is a tiny chip in one of the cokes and alas there is a small scratch on the left side below the cylinder latch. I hadn't even noticed it till my son says "oh it's really nice except for that scratch". God I hate it when that happens.

It is S#S174416 so should be about at the end of the late run of 5 screws made in mid 1957. I'll send off for the letter next week. Oh and someone had asked, both it and my 3/57 4" 4 screw have 10 groove backstraps.

Earl

Very neat gun
Can you post a pic of the backstrap showing the tang grooves?

Wondering if your 4 screw gun has the same round jig hole in the grip frame behind the stock pin ?

Sorry for the poorer quality photo since it's night time but it should show you what you asked about. 4" 4-screw on the left, 6.5" 5-screw on the right. Yes, my 4" has the same round jig hole in the grip frame.

Earl

Very interesting ,
For comparison the Combat Magnum (Pre 19) was introduced as a 4 screw frame in very late 1955, except for a few hand delivered VIP guns the earliest versions begin to ship after the X Mas holiday in 1956 with 6 groove tangs.... 10 groove CM tangs seem to appear sometime around June-July 1956.

If my theory is correct your late production 5 screw pre 29 would be the only K or N frame target sight S&W revolver variant having a 5 screw frame with the newer 10 groove tangs.

I've wanted a 5 screw 44 mag so bad for so long

Cool. I doubt Mr. Jinks has tang info to compare with but I will be sure to mention it in my letter request. Earl

I have a pre-Model 27, five screw with a five inch barrel, serial number 173042. It has six grooves. There are serial numbers in the usual places except for the barrel shroud.

Roy said it was shipped in October, 1958, so I assume this is also one of the "found frames."

Bill

__________________
Bill

Wow, that's a beauty! Very nice CB stocks, too. Is that a little chip on the front bottom of the r/h stock or just a reflection? If it is a chip and you'd like it repaired, DWFAN can fix you up. Very nice revolver!

Congratulations as that is a great purchase.

Yep, it's a small chip. I'll probably end up sending it to him in the future or may just leave it for a bit of character. Haven't decided. Earl

Tangs with ten grooves were first seen in mid-1956 around serial number S166500 for N-frame revolvers. 44 Magnums with serial number S167025 (June 1956) and S167145 (December 1956) each have a 5-screw frame and tangs with ten grooves.

Bill