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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 03-17-2017, 02:54 AM
Leetron Leetron is offline
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Default S&W Model 29

Hello all, I've inherited a S&W model 29 .44 Magnum w/6" barrel from a collector who recently passed. The serial number is S178xxx. Would anyone here be able to identify when it was manufactured and it's approximate value? It is in excellent condition w/no obvious wear. Thanks!
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Old 03-17-2017, 07:32 AM
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Welcome Leetron!

We really need some pictures to help you here on value. Grips and condition can be very important. Does it have a box? Accessories? Papers?

Open up the cylinder and look at the inside of the crane, just under the barrel. If there is a model number there (29, 29-1, 29-2, etc) we need to know that exactly as stamped.
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Old 03-17-2017, 09:01 AM
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Many 44 Magnums in the S178000 range shipped in 1958. The revolver is a 44 Magnum (Pre-Model 29) with a bright blue finish (I assume you would have indicated a nickel finish) and 6 1/2-inch barrel. In 98% or better condition with original stocks it would be valued at $2,000 or more.

Bill
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Old 03-18-2017, 04:24 PM
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Thanks for the information...I'll now have it appraised for the exact value. FYI...it is in 98+% condition - and I don't believe it's been fired more than 20-30 rounds worth.
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Old 03-18-2017, 08:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Leetron View Post
Thanks for the information...I'll now have it appraised for the exact value. FYI...it is in 98+% condition - and I don't believe it's been fired more than 20-30 rounds worth.
Leetron post some pics on the forum, here if you get a chance.

Doc44 that responded in this post is one of the foremost S&W experts in the world and there are several others on this forum that are long time experts collectors and authors.

Plus, we would also love to see it, and ANY boxes tools or papers that you have with the revolver. The original accouterments that go with the gun are very, very valuable in their own right.

The Model 29 is an American Icon and is highly collectible.

Many of them have indeed only been fired from 6 to 30 times as the recoil from 44 Magnum is a lot for the casual shooter to handle.
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Old 03-20-2017, 02:24 AM
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Default S&W .44 Magnum - Serial #S178xxx

I'm sorry, fellas - but I was unable to post photos of my S&W .44 Magnum w/case - serial #S178xxx. If someone can lend me a "hand" at posting the photos, it would be much appreciated...they are in .jpeg format. Thanks for all the responses - it seems I have a very nice weapon, indeed!
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Old 03-20-2017, 12:32 PM
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PM sent. I can host your image(s).
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Old 03-20-2017, 03:01 PM
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Default here is the picture

Leetron emailed this pic so that I could post it for him.
It seems the gun now wears the much later oversized target stocks from the 1970s and is in a presentation case from the same era. Nice looking 44 Magnum.
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Old 03-20-2017, 04:45 PM
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The presentation case is a clamshell case used 1960-1968.

Bill
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Old 03-20-2017, 04:59 PM
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Welcome to the FORUM! That is sure a good looking 29! Bob
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Old 03-20-2017, 05:07 PM
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So, basically we have four individual things that did not originally come together:
1. A nice S-series 4-screw (?) pre-29 44 Magnum
2. A nice condition clamshell presentation case (assuming the top half insert is there)
3. N- frame oversize target stocks, no diamond, from the late-60s/70s.
4. A later model sight adjustment tool (1970s or so)
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Old 03-21-2017, 01:23 AM
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Default S&W .44 Magnum - Serial #178xxx

Thanks for all the assistance on my pistol. Being that I'm a active shooter (and don't believe in 'saving' my .44 for posterity) I will now enjoy shooting her - as my mentor and benefactor would have wanted. Take care, fellas.
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Old 03-21-2017, 11:16 AM
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I find 240 gr magnum rounds typically work well in these.
I handload for 44 Special and like to run those though for informal practice.
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