I recently acquired this Pre-29 44 mag pistol. It is a 5 screw with the Coke grips. I was an everyday carry by the original owner so it has lots of holster wear. What I'm most interest in is this a 5" barrel? If I am reading it right the Blue Book of Gun Values says there were only 2 made with that barrel length. SN is S167342. That number matches on the cylinder and under the grips. No Model number under the yoke.
Pre-29 44 mag 5" barrel?
- Thread starter Buskatier
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2007
- Messages
- 27,669
- Reaction score
- 21,352
Welcome! Given the placement of the barrel rollmark, the non-stock front sight and the serial number my impression is the original barrel has been cut back to 5".
Original 5" guns are uncommon but cool, which was probably the motivation for this modification.
Original 5" guns are uncommon but cool, which was probably the motivation for this modification.
Looks like it's wearing cokes. That's always a huge plus!
Even if not original, it's a desireable and useful configuration. Shoot it and enjoy it! Got plenty wear so no need to baby it. Use it like the former owner did.
Welcome to the forum btw!
Even if not original, it's a desireable and useful configuration. Shoot it and enjoy it! Got plenty wear so no need to baby it. Use it like the former owner did.
Welcome to the forum btw!
AudieMurphy
Member
looks like a name is stamped on the barrel in front of the 44 magnum logo...or am I seeing things
Looks like H R Knowlion
No single person that posts here would go as far to say "Oh it's not real 5 inch so I would not want it" It is absolute cool! It may not be an original manufactured 5 inch barrel, But a letter and some research may reveal that it could possibly have been a prototype for reaction of the market who knows what was going on in 1956 but I would be calling right now Mr. Doc 44 opinion!
Tom
Tom
From what I'm reading from Doc's book there was only one 5 screw 5" 44 Magnum, and I'm pretty sure it has a ramp front sight, SN: S153748.
Still, an interesting gum.
Edit: OP's gun has the ramp , with a modified blade...I think.
Still, an interesting gum.
Edit: OP's gun has the ramp , with a modified blade...I think.
Last edited:
S167342 is one of five 44 Magnums shipped in April 1957 with a 6 1/2-inch barrel and bright blue finish.
Bill
Bill
...Ben
That is correct: HR Knowlion. Would that be a distributor? Would the assembly number in the yoke always match the barrel number if original? The original owner was a wheeler dealer from Okoboji, Iowa. He did lots of engraving/machine work and competition shooting way back 40s-50s so he could easily have modified it for easier carrying It came in a Lawrence Floral pattern 122LF holster with belt, cowboy style.
Only slightly disappointed it's not an original 1 of 2 but very fun to shoot. Action is still like butter. Thanks everybody.
Assembly numbers have nothing to do with serial numbers. There is an assembly number on the frame, the yoke and the side plate. These numbers should match and were to keep the parts together in the manufacturing process.
Serial number should be on butt, cylinder, barrel, yoke and back of extractor star.
Serial number should be on butt, cylinder, barrel, yoke and back of extractor star.
The serial number should be stamped in the extractor rod shroud.
Bill
Bill
Here it is on the back of the cylinder. Also matching under grips.
Attachments
DB Wesson gave out a dozen such guns as favors. There are a small handful of others.
George...If you have the details about the guns you referred to, I would like to add them to my database. Currently, I know of only one 44 Magnum with a 5-screw frame and original 5-inch barrel. I originally thought there were two, but S154457 turned out to be a 1955 45 Target with a 5-inch barrel shipped to Rex Firearms on August 27, 1959.
Bill
Bill
Last edited:
Original or not it's still a desirable configuration of a great revolver.
I've only seen a couple of guns with that kind of front sight.
I always thought that the "sawtooth" shape doesn't look like it would be the best for a gun that is going to be holstered/unholstered very much.
Looks like it would drag/gouge the inside of the holster enough to eventually saw right through the leather. Unless you used a holster with a built-in sight channel.
Does anyone know if there is a name for this style of sight? It looks like a hybrid - half Baughman ramp, half Patridge - except that the flat rear surface of most Patridge sights is perpendicular to the bore - not slightly slanted to the rear.
Anyway, nice gun and the cokes are a BIG bonus!
I've only seen a couple of guns with that kind of front sight.
I always thought that the "sawtooth" shape doesn't look like it would be the best for a gun that is going to be holstered/unholstered very much.
Looks like it would drag/gouge the inside of the holster enough to eventually saw right through the leather. Unless you used a holster with a built-in sight channel.
Does anyone know if there is a name for this style of sight? It looks like a hybrid - half Baughman ramp, half Patridge - except that the flat rear surface of most Patridge sights is perpendicular to the bore - not slightly slanted to the rear.
Anyway, nice gun and the cokes are a BIG bonus!
LittleAugieMo
Member
WAG someone wanted a 5" to use/carry so they had quality mod done to include a front sight they liked. Have you checked the rear sight blade out? Is it standard or does it have a wider opening?
