Curious about nickel 5 & 4 screw pre-29's and 29's

Gun 4 Fun · Dec 21, 2010

I know that they are not as common as the blued guns, and can even be scarce to rare, and I know some of the top collectors here own them like Doc44, and 29-1. I was just curious who else owns one, and do you have pics of them?

SigKev · Dec 21, 2010

I have some...

Hey G4F. I have two four screw nickel guns, a four inch and a 6 1/2 inch. The four inch was factory refinished and is currently in 98% condition. The 6 1/2 inch has the original finish and is in 95% condition. I have not taken pictures of the four inch yet, but here is a picture of the 6 1/2 inch from my album.

sigkev-albums-my-29s-picture3406-four-screw-model-29-rosewood-coke-stocks-shipped-july-16-1959.jpg

P.S. Even though you did not ask, I also have a 8 3/8 inch very early model 29-2 in 98%.

sigkev-albums-my-29s-picture3407-three-screw-model-29-2-nickel-8-3-8-inch-barrel-shipped-january-1963.jpg

Gun 4 Fun · Dec 21, 2010

Kevin,

even though I didn't ask (and only because this sub forum is too early technically, and I didn't want to cause any trouble due to that), I appreciate the pics of both. What's the serial # on that 6.5? I was curious how close it is to mine. You can PM it to me if that's more comfortable to you. Also, it that a pre-29 or 29?

SigKev · Dec 21, 2010

29 6 1/2 info

G4F, the serial is S18589x and it shipped on July 16, 1959. The gun is a model marked 29.

Doc44 · Dec 21, 2010

5-screw 44 Magnums with a nickel finish and 6 1/2-inch barrel are very rare and only four or possibly five have been documented. One of the four was Class A-engraved most likely by Virginia LeBlanc. No 44 Magnum with a 4-inch barrel, original nickel finish and 5-screw frame has been reported as of yet.

Kevin...Very nice trio of nickel 44 Magnums.

Bill

Gun 4 Fun · Dec 21, 2010

Bill,
I thought that when we were talking on the phone about the nickel pre 29 I was looking at, that you said that there were actually more 5 screw pre-29's made than 4 screw when it came to nickel guns

I probably got it wrong, but that's what I remember anyways.

If you wouldn't mind, I'd appreciate you going through it again. I know you have said in the past that by your best estimate, there were approximately 700 or a little less 4 screw nickel pre-29's.

What I am really wanting to see with this thread is who has what. We don't see the nickel guns posted as often as the blued for a couple reasons, one being that there are far more blued guns.

I would just like to have a place for any and all nickel pre 29's and 29's up through early -2 guns to be displayed all at once.

bmg60 · Dec 21, 2010

Nickel 4 Screw 29,s 4 Barrel Lengths

Hi
I have all 4 of the Barrel lengths in Nickel of the 4 Screw Models.
1. 4 inch nickel Serial number S-1854XX Shipped 1958
2. 5 Inch Nickel Serial number S-1842XX Shipped 9/23/1960
3. 6 1/2 Nickel Serial number S-1858XX Shipped 1958
4. 8 3/8 Nickel Serial number S-2111XX Shipped 1961

enjoy the pictures.

I also have all 4 barrel lengths in Blue.
jim fisher

bmg60-albums-rare-limited-models-no-2-picture3546-29-4-inch-nickel-wt-serial-number-s-185441.jpg

bmg60-albums-rare-limited-models-no-2-picture3545-model-29-5-inch-nickel-wt-serial-number-s-184209.jpg

bmg60-albums-rare-limited-models-no-2-picture3544-model-29-6-1-2-inch-nickel-wt-serial-number-185896.jpg

bmg60-albums-rare-limited-models-no-2-picture3543-model-29-8-3-8-nickel-rev-1-shipped-1961-s-211160.jpg

Gun 4 Fun · Dec 21, 2010

Wow Jim! That's what I was hoping for, and I also hoped that you would post, since I figured you would have at least a few.

The 5" is simply the best length S&W never produced as a factory standard on the larger caliber N frames, but should have.

I only have this one here, and Bill Cross was kind enough to help me out when I was looking to buy it, by answering my questions, and giving his opinion regarding it's value, things to look at on it, etc.

I have the case, tools, etc., too.

Doc44 · Dec 22, 2010

G4F...I don't remember the specifics of our conversation, but 4-screw nickel 44 Magnums were made (or, at least estimated to be made) in the numbers shown in Jim's post. Five-screw 44 Magnums in nickel are very, very rare like I posted above. Sorry if there was a misunderstanding.

The rarest of the rare is a Model 29-2 with a factory nickel finish, smooth stocks, and a 5 1/2-inch barrel (so far, only one is known).

Bill

GF · Dec 22, 2010

Tim, you've came over to the bright side!!!

You big guys have brought out outstanding examples of 4 screw nickel 44mags. Both the finsh and the caliber are what I started collecting when the S&W bug bit.... although I had to settle for the lowly 3 screw models.

Tim those stocks are the things guys like me & you dream about. Great wood on a tough to find piece. Good job!

Gail

rck281 · Dec 23, 2010

Although mine don't compare to the rarity of the 5 and 5 1/2", I have the other three.

M29 4" - Very close to 100%

M29 8 3/8" - about 98%

I also have a 6 1/2" Pre-M29 about 99+% - but can't locate the pictures

Gun 4 Fun · Dec 23, 2010

Bill-

Most likely it is I who is mistaken about what was said. If so, I am sorry to be so slow sometimes. I just want to get it right.

BTW, that 5.5" is a real thing of beauty! I have been a huge admirer of the 5" guns for so long, but lately I have been thinking about having one of mine cut to 5.5" instead, and now after seeing yours, I'm even more inclined to do so. Thanks for posting it.

Gail-

I doubt that anything in my little pile of guns is in the same league with what you have, but I appreciate the compliment. You are right on about the fine wood though. We do like it don't we?

This nickel gun and my old TL have kinda turned my opinion around on nickel guns some. I still prefer blue, but I love the older nickel guns with the exposed sight pins and black front sight.

RCK281-

Those are nice! I really like that 4" though. Man, that one is way nice.

29aholic · Dec 23, 2010

Tim
I have a 6.5" 29. Soon as I get home I'll update my post with the pics and info. It did come from Bill.

Gun 4 Fun · Dec 23, 2010

29aholic said:
Tim
I have a 6.5" 29. Soon as I get home I'll update my post with the pics and info. It did come from Bill.

Hey you handsome sumbidg (I think the Eagles referred to it as brutally handsome, with the emphasis here being on the word brutal

), I was wondering if you were going to post. I know that one you have is top flight. Put it up bro.

Doc44 · Dec 23, 2010

S220004, Model 29-1, 4-screw frame, shipped in December 1962 in a period correct clamshell case.

Bill

doc44-albums-unique-s-w-n-frame-revolvers-picture1736-rare-model-29-1-4-screw-shipped-december-1962-clamshell-case.jpg

29-1 · Dec 23, 2010

4 screw 29-1

Here's S219982 the other only known 4 screw nickel 4 inch 29-1. It's neat to see both of these guns in the same thread. Thanks Bill for posting 004.

Chuck

Doc44 · Dec 23, 2010

You too Chuck. They are great guns.

Bill

29aholic · Dec 24, 2010

Update

S217258 29 shipped July 1962

This was a GREAT day!!!

Thanks again Bill

Gun 4 Fun · Dec 24, 2010

Yikes!!!

What in the world is that thing standing next to you Bill!?!

Was that taken out in Hollywood in the horror movie prop department?

Merry Christmas Curtis!!!

teesur · Dec 25, 2010

29-1 said:
Here's S219982 the other only known 4 screw nickel 4 inch 29-1.

That looks like it should be signed and dated by Michel-Angelo.
teesur.

Curious about nickel 5 & 4 screw pre-29's and 29's

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