So, I recently purchased a pre29 5 screw ser. # 174xxx. The serial number is missing on the cylinder, yoke, and it’s on the yoke cut-out ,not in the shroud. I have seen many like this. Is this considered a transition model or something else?

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viking

S&W "found" some unused 5-screw frames in 1957 and used them to manufacture 44 Magnums. However, these guns were made after the Soft Fitting Department was shut down in May 1957 and are stamped accordingly (no serial number on the cylinder, in the extractor rod shroud, etc.). They are not considered transition guns, just late manufactured 44 Magnums with a 5-screw frame and a higher than expected serial number.

Bill

I have one of the "found" frames that was built as a five inch 357 Magnum (pre 27). The serial number is S1730XX was shipped in October 1958.

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Bill

Sounds familiar to me. #S1730xx
Shipped Apr, 1958