I am looking at a S&W 44 magnum that is a few states away from me... The owners are not familiar with the gun and know little about it.

The only identifiers they can give me are these two numbers:

S 165555

And

79527

From the research I have been able to do I think the date of manufacture is 56-57 but no idea if it is 4 or 5 screw....thinking 4 because the barrel length is 8 3/8 which I think was not available til 58.

Any thoughts on rarity and value. It has the presentation case and paperwork. I am told it has only been factory fired and appears in excellent condition.

Can anyone help me on some relevant details?

Cheers....

With that serial number S165555 it should be a 5 screw, but 6500 were made in 4 screw in that serial number range. Can't tell from the pictures, but the grips are NOT factory, but may be modified Ropers. Barrel doesn't look to be 8 3/8" either, looks more like 6 1/2" , but could just be the picture. Hope that helps some.

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Dick

Yes...it reinforces my uneasiness... :-) generally I like to know what I am buying! From the pics I agree the barrel does look shorter than 8 3/8 but the owner measured it and said 8 but who know where they measured from....

Not knowing about guns they may have measured from the back of the cylinder instead of the front, who knows. Definitely a pre-29 though. If it's a 5 screw it's worth almost twice a 4 screw I would think. I would need better pictures, were it me.

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Dick

I concur on the pre 29 estimate. And that barrel is certainly not 8 3/8". It's definitely 6 1/2". The grips aren't factory but they look very interesting. It appears to have a turn line on the cylinder which would indicate its been used more than once by the factory...However, I'm intrigued. If I were you I'd be asking for more pictures.

Interesting combination. It's a 6.5-inch gun with a re-lined case. The outside of the case looks appropriate for the gun, but I am no expert on the style of latches, etc. The stocks are nice looking but it is hard to say what they are - except that they are not OE. The gun appears to have been used a bit. Have never seen that manual come with a S165xxx gun. I would think it is almost certainly not a "Model 29," but I am no expert. Hopefully that green sticker is not damaging the finish. You didn't mention price. I would approach that one with a bit of caution.

Great input ...thanks!

If it is pre 29... What model is it? Here is the case it comes with.....

Worst case scenario.... Worth $1100?

Many of the 44 Magnums in the S165000 range were shipped in 1956. The one posted has a 6 1/2-inch barrel and is in a relined case. The pebble grain exterior is correct, but if shipped in 1956 (September or earlier), the latch should be a button type, but I suppose anything is possible. The stocks are a replacment for the originals, but I can't tell what kind they are. Is the case numbered to the revolver on the bottom in white grease pencil? The Parts & Instruction manual first appeared in 1960. I definitely would pay $1100 for the package.

The revolver is a 44 Magnum, or Pre-Model 29 (it became the Model 29 in 1957).

Bill

{Quote} If it is pre 29... What model is it?

If it's a pre 29, Its just that. A pre 29, They called it "The .44 Magnum" at the time. There were no model classes at S&W at the time. And I'd jump all over it for $1,100

Sosoomi,

I agree with most all the info the others have offered concerning it to be a Pre-Model 29 & would also add that the Presentation Case looks to be a fairly hard to find Early Pebble-Grain Case just when the changed them over to the Clasp-Type Latch which holds considerable value in itself!! I'd say this Revolver definitely needs to be investigated further to find out exactly what it is!!

Even with the wrong grips & the relined case it's certainly worth $1100 unless, by chance, it's been refinished!! Not saying it is, just that we need more info (photos,etc.) to make a more decisive call!!

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Masterpiece

Thanks Bill,

I guess I gotta learn to type faster...Ha!-Ha!

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Masterpiece

Wow... Thanks guys! You are a world of knowledge!!!