I have a model 58 with the following serial number stamped on the frame butt: S296324. This number seems to be outside of model 58 range of production serial numbers. It is nickel and (weirdly) chambered in 44 mag. Is this actually a model 58 or a rebuild custom shop model other than a model 58 with a 58 frame and different model frame butt. I'm confused. This is probably the nicest revolver I have ever owned. Additionally, not only is it chambered in 44 mag but it is hamerless as well. ???????

Hi Rick, welcome to the forum. I'm not sure where you're getting information that your gun's number is outside the correct range, it does seem appropriate for a late 60's gun.

By hammerless, I'm going to assume you mean that someone has cut off the hammer spur. Is it marked .44 magnum?

This is a situation where plenty of good pictures would really help.

I'll take some pics and post them later today. Thanks for the reply. I am, obviously, relatively ignorant about this revolver and appreciate clarity!

Next noob question: I have taken pics but how do I post them?

when making a post scroll down and you will see this:

Attach Files
Valid file extensions: bmp doc gif jpe jpeg jpg pdf png psd txt zip

Just click on manage attachments and download from your computor.

OR;

You can use a photo service like imgur or postimage to link to photos in your post

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Sceva
OGCA SWCA NRA

As an owner of a Model 58 myself, this sounds interesting and I look forward to the pics!

I wonder if the "1" in the .41 Magnum is stamped weird, and just looks like a "4" perhaps?

At this point, given the utter lack of information offered, anything is possible.

1. It may have the incorrect model number stamped on it. That happens.

2. It may be a custom built conversion from 41 to 44 Magnum. That happens.

3. The model number and/or caliber markings may have been misread. That happens.

The 58 was a fixed sight service revolver. TMK all 44 Magnums had adjustable sights. The serial you provided is quite possibly for a Model 58, or 57 or 29. Photos wouyld help greatly.

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No life story has happy end.

I heard of lots of s&w N frames being converted to 44 mag during the Dirty Harry demand. I wonder if this one is a latter converted one to 44 mag. It would be cheaper than buying a new m29. Just a thought.
Wouldn’t it have a N for nickel somewhere on the butt?

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Plant garlic in the fall

The first reported model 58 was S 256500 in 1964, so S 296324 is later and obviously (originally) possible as one of these, especially if it is stamped MOD 58.

I have seen at least one .44 Magnum conversion to a model 58; the absent hammer spur certainly speaks to some aftermarket gunsmithing.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

That plus late model fix sight N frames in that serial number range would be a very rare birds in anything besides av model 58. Never hear of a factory one in 44 mag.

Doc44 has one of the 3 that were built in this configuration....

Attached Images

S&W 29-58.jpg (101.4 KB, 602 views)

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On the Oak Savannah

Which cartridge fits in the cylinder? To really know, slug the barrel.

I just love seeing that 58/44 of Doc44

I have M58 sn.S296539 and it was shipped in 1968, well before the N designation guns started.

and that is a nice rare bird
The never say never with S&W rule applies here

Doc's gun looks great and is one any collector would love to have.

My question is, would anyone here even dare to SHOOT it with full power .44 M loads?

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You're shy a few manners.

You never know with SW. The big book of SW says that total production was 20287 from 1964-1977 and introductory numbers were from 256500-260632. If that is correct, which we know it isn’t always, shouldn’t the last model 58 not be greater than 276787? A model 58 with a serial of 296324 would put production at close to 40000. And close to 20,000 guns beyond what is cited in the big book.....just doing the math based on what is in SW book......my 58 is serial is 257586, so an early production gun that may have gone to an agency....if only they could talk.....here is my 58 next to my 520....

And of course he never comes back. I hate it when they do that.

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No life story has happy end.

Talking about conversions . I had a friend in Az that had Hamilton Bowen convert model 58 to 45 LC . Years later he got a model 21 and had him convert in to 45 LC also . Made a very nice gun , very well done . Regards Paul

moralem - I believe that your Model 58 went to the Louisiana Department of Corrections. I have only seen three of these, and they were all LA/SE TX guns.

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On the Oak Savannah

I acquired the gun up hear in DFW from a younger gentleman who said it was from an older relative but he was unsure where it came from. The LDC makes sense.....I never could find anything on those initials. I might just need to letter the gun to see where it started out......thanks.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

This is another Bowen conversion of a model 58 into a 5" 45 Colt and he added his combat sights.

Bought a 58 bbl off the classifieds that had been bored and rifled to 44 specs. While waiting for my gunsmith to ream the cylinder, a 44 mag cylinder came on the scene out of our same classifieds. The cylinder was a drop in fit, the bbl swapped and viola. My 44-41.


And its brutal with 44 mag loads.

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Charlie

Charlie , nicely sculpted grips ( custom fit ). Your work ?
Might do that to a pair of Indian made stocks

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Dino in Pittsburgh's Rat Pack

This might be my favorite S&W of all time. Oh how I wish there were blued fixed sight Model 29 snubs out there... a close second would be the Camfour Model 629 3" fixed sight guns.

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SWCA 3563
10mm aficionado

Not my work, but I lik'em.

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Charlie