DOC44's post on his high S serial number 29-2 made me remember one that I own that could be one of the last S series Nickel 29-2 shipped in 8 3/8ths. I don't know the exact production figures for late S series nickel 44 Mags, but I would imagine that very few were produced in the long barrel. This one letters as not shipping until 12/2/1971 to Colosimo's in Philadelphia. It is new in the box with the shipping carton. I have N series 29-2s that shipped before this one did.

Enjoy
Chuck

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What a real beauty. I really enjoy seeing these great old classics. Even the clamshell case is in amazing condition. Thanks

Cool revolver (and clamshell case), that "should have" shipped in 1969. Very nice.

Another nice gun Chuck! Outstanding photography too!

Yes, great looking gun; looks flawless, and with beautiful wood, too... Nice job with the photos, also.

It's great to see these old guns in such original condition!

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Very nice Chuck. Those are fantastic grips too

Hey Chuck:

I have a NIB (w/cardboard shipping carton) nickel Model 29-2 8 3/8", #S319847, that also shipped to Philly on 08/22/75. This one must have sat lost on a shelf in Springfield for quite some time.

Best regards,

Jim

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SRT,
If yours letters as shipping then, I believe that you have something special there. Chuck is far, far, more knowledgeable about this than I could ever hope to be. Maybe he'll respond.

As I posted in Doc' post, I have a blue 57 that is S3193XX. It was build in late '68, and shipped in June of '70. While it is neither a 29-2 or nickel finish, the number is close to yours and, especially Doc's gun.

Jim, your's is the absolute latest I've heard of a s series gun of any model shipping. I have a hunch and that's all it is, that the 8 3/8ths were not as popular/sought after especially in Nickel, as the standard 6 1/2 inch Blue "Dirty Harry" gun, and that the few that were produced even years earlier did just what you mentioned; sat on the shelf at S&W waiting for a buyer. I guess Colosimo's had a taste for the unusual, or maybe by the 70s was just taking whatever it could get in the way of a 44 Magnum like everyone else. Thanks for your post Jim
Chuck

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Great looking 29-2 in Nickel.

G4F...Since your 57 is close to these 29s in serial number and shipping date, why do you think it was manufactured late in 1968? I would think it was made in 1969 and shipped in 1970.

Jim and Chuck...the 29-2 with an 8 3/8-inch barrel was nearly "out of production" in 1968 through about 71 (about 10-15 were produced, most in bright blue). Seems as though no one wanted this barrel length and the shipping dates of your 29-2s certainly support that.

Bill

Chuck and Bill:

These 29-2s are proof positive examples of why we "never say never" in regard to S&W.

I admire your photography, Chuck, it is stunning. Have you been taking lessons from our favorite medicine man, the good Doc44, who apparently also holds a Ph.D. in photography?

Best regards to both of you,

Jim

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Jim, actually the good doctor made a suggestion on a camera at one time, Nikon digital, and the rest came through trial and error, with quite a bit of both involved. It is still a skill in progress
Chuck

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Originally posted by Doc44

Bill,
I generally call S&W twice about all my guns made by them, to see if I get the same info each time, and they have told me on two occasions now, that this 57 was built in fall of '68, but they couldn't give me an exact Mo/Day.

Roy Jinks told me that it was shipped in June of '70, so you are correct about that.