The 357 Magnum

Pocketrocket · Saturday at 9:50 PM

I've got a 5 screw .44 Magnum which I realize was the pinnacle of handguns when introduced. But it occurred to me that up until then the .357 Magnum was it. While I've got a few newer ones I believe this .357 Magnum pre 27 was one of the most expensive and the most powerful in its time.
I picked this one up at my favorite LGS a few months back. Grips are numbered to the gun but unfortunately damaged from a grip adapter, and someone's DL # carved on the bottom. I really like the checkered top strap. Anyone have an idea of when it was made? Ser#S102337. I understand without a letter it's hard to know for sure. TIA

JP@AK · Saturday at 10:08 PM

First, the serial number is S102337. The S is part of the serial number.

S101073 is also a .357 Magnum. It left the factory in October 1953. That is the nearest one in my list. It puts you in the ballpark.

Incidentally, the first Highway Patrolman was serialized at S103500. It shipped in April 1954.

Model29-26.5 · Saturday at 10:53 PM

Pocketrocket said:
I've got a 5 screw .44 Magnum which I realize was the pinnacle of handguns when introduced. But it occurred to me that up until then the .357 Magnum was it. While I've got a few newer ones I believe this .357 Magnum pre 27 was one of the most expensive and the most powerful in its time.
I picked this one up at my favorite LGS a few months back. Grips are numbered to the gun but unfortunately damaged from a grip adapter, and someone's DL # carved on the bottom. I really like the checkered top strap. Anyone have an idea of when it was made?Ser#102337. I understand without a letter it's hard to know for sure. TIA

I would love to see a few pics of that five screw 44 mag! Thanks

DV0 · Saturday at 11:34 PM

You are correct, when that 357 was made it was the pinnacle of Smith & Wesson revolvers and had been for almost 20 years. No slouch today either.
Looks like a 6.5”, probably extremely accurate. The N frame is king.

chiefdave · Sunday at 1:37 PM

S101991 shipped 3/8/54. That should get you a little closer.

flundertaker · Sunday at 2:16 PM

I dig the proud pins! I only have 1 that the finishers resisted polishing off almost perfectly flat.

RKmesa · Tuesday at 6:37 AM

Additional references for pre-27 ship dates for SNs near yours:

S101962 shipped Nov 1953
S102509 shipped Nov 1953
S103432 shipped Sept 1953
S103480 shipped Dec 1953
S103746 shipped April 1954
S101339 shipped Dec 1955

The 357 Magnum Revolver with its checkered rib, tapered barrel, recessed cylinder, and high gloss blue is still the standard for all other revolvers and yours is a beauty!

Thanks for sharing,

45NUTT · Tuesday at 8:34 AM

I wish I had an LGS that had those kind of used revolvers!!

The 357 Magnum

Pocketrocket

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