Today while rummaging through the safe in my quest to thin the herd, I came across S130833, a really nice Model of 1955 .45 Target revolver with the scarce U shaped main spring. . While taking pictures of it to post, I noticed the right grip panel is stamped S130741. Those of you who collect the early pre-25s would think that a S130XXX stamped example would date to 1955. This one, however, didn't ship until late Oct, 1957. The advanced collectors of the 44 Magnum on the other hand generally agree that most early pre-29s stamped S130XXX have the potential of being some of the earliest examples. For example, of the first 7 44 Magnums shipped between Dec, 1955 and Jan, 1956, 6 had an S130XXX serial number. The lone exception of those early guns being S147220, the revolver shipped to Elmer Keith. There is always the chance that when one comes across any S130XXX serial numbered 44 Magnum, it stands the chance of being an early example. This is not always the case though as some S130XXX guns are spread throughout 1956 and one actually shipped as late as 1960. But, all of this is generally known by collectors of the 44 magnum. What is not so well known is the fact that the early 44 magnums were built on frames already designated to become the Model of 1955. This is why collectors will sometimes discover a serial number stamped inside the right grip panel of the 1955 walnut target stocks that do not match the serial number of the revolver that wears them. In this case, S130833 is wearing stocks stamped S130741 which, in actuality, became a Feb,1956 shipped revolver and one of the first .44 Magnums produced. I realize this is getting down in the weeds a little. Hopefully, Bill or Bob will jump in here and maybe flesh this out a little for those interested.

Enjoy,
Chuck
























S130741 .44 Magnum

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