Recent content by Doc44

Nice looking Model 27-1. I believe you will find the fourth screw in front of the trigger guard. Value is in the $2,500 range I believe, but a better estimate can be provided by a collector of this model. Bill

Nice looking 44 Magnum. The one below was done by S&W in 1974. It has a 3 1/4-inch barrel, custom round butt, and thinned trigger guard. Bill

Contact Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing in Crystal River, FL as they are the best with many types of finishes, including nickel. Website is fordsguns.com Bill

Cylinders without embedded head space are much easier to clean, so that is a positive. Bill

I believe it would be easier to sell the polished 629s and find some with an original finish. Bill

The question in the original post was asking about N-frames. Bill

The cylinder, extractor, extractor rod and stem have been replaced at some point. The new extractor rod and stem have an improved, left-hand thread. I have no idea why this was done, but it was certainly done well. I would leave the revolver as is and enjoy shooting it. If you replace the...

Typo or incorrect information. S333454 is the last S prefix serial number listed in S&W's shipping records. The firearm was shipped on March 26, 1969. I don't know what model shipped with this serial number as my records only go through 1967. If I had to guess, I would say it is a Model 28-2.

I was told many years ago these cases were first seen at the S&WCA meeting in 1986. No one knows why S&W had these cases made, or who made them, only that they appear to be limited to Model 57s shipped in 1965. The cases are limited in number but show up from time to time. I acquired one many...

44 Magnums shipped with a red ramp on a ramp base and a white outline rear sight. Your 44 Magnum has the red ramp replaced with a modified Baughman front sight. In the photo it looks as though the ramp base and blade are set back from the end of the barrel. Factory mounted sights were flush...

The change from tangs with six grooves to ten grooves is independent of when the jig hole in the grip frame disappeared. For N-frames, the change to tangs with ten grooves took place at approximately serial number S166700 in mid-1956. The deletion of the jig hole in the frame for N-frames took...

Most of the 44 Magnums in my database with a serial number in the S177000 range shipped in 1958, with a few shipping very late in 1957. Bill

The blue presentation case with a button latch and pebble grain exterior was phased out beginning in October 1956. It was replaced by a blue/black case with a smooth exterior and clasp style latch. When you get your case, there may be a serial number on the bottom in white grease pencil. Bill

If you have a specific question about a presentation case, I could probably answer it. Bill

44 Magnum, S130705, was shipped on July 26, 1956, to Arthur Cook Supply Co., Laurel, MD. It has the lowest serial number reported by collectors for a 44 Magnum and the grip frame was one of the first numbered for the new model. Bill