When did they decide to center the "44 Magnum" rollmark on the 6 1/2" Pre-29 barrels? In the picture, the top one is a 5 screw first year and the bottom is a 4 screw.

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29 Rollmark B.jpg (106.8 KB, 343 views)

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John
SWCA #3401 SWHF #737

... yes, when? My pre with serno: S1603XX

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wc S&W pre 29 44 mag (5).jpg (59.8 KB, 145 views)

5 screw 55-57. 4 screw 57-58. My only 4 screw is a 4" so who knows.

It is a factory setup error. There were a handful made with the forward roll markings and most are in the Mid S170000 serial number range.
Most of these did not ship until a few years after they were made.

Mine is in the S171XXX range and has the roll stamp toward the rear of the barrel.

44 Magnums with "forward roll markings" usually date to 1960 and are found in the serial number range of S170000 to S206000. As stated in post #4 it was a setup error, but since the error was only cosmetic, the barrels were used to assemble 44 Magnums. Collectors of this model are of different opinions about the desirability of this "variation".

Bill

S171xxx has the markings right at 1 1/4 inches forward of the frame.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Since I have one of the forward roll-mark guns, they are super rare and worth considerably more than the ones with the rear roll-mark.
Larry

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Here is a picture of a couple of Pre-29's. Both are 6 1/2" barrels and have the 'forward rollmarks'. Top is #S170XXX and the bottom is #S178XXX which shipped in October 1958.

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More Rollmarks A.jpg (97.5 KB, 63 views)

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John
SWCA #3401 SWHF #737

I'll tell you what; when a forward roll stamped barrel is shortened to 5 inches the roll stamp sure looks weird. My pre-29 S-180768

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Bill Bates

Years ago, I'd learned to be suspicious of any uncommon barrel length with the referenced "roll mark" to far forward. Still perhaps a good cautionary measure simply as a possible 'red flag'! But a roll mark too far aft.... That's got to be really rare when suggesting perhaps the barrel was 'stretched'! More than a few "rare gun" stories providing the "stretching".

Interesting situation and appreciate the note here! That far off-center marking aft, does look strange. But not so strange as a 1955 Model .45 ACP marked as "1950"!
Just my take
John
'

The forward roll marks were center on the 6 1/2 barrels from the shoulder of the barrel where it butts up against the frame. On my cut back to 5" barrel it looks really odd. On a 6 1/2 inch it only looks a little odd.

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Bill Bates