Help Identifying Model 29-2 4" Fitters and other Markings

TheHobbyist · #1 10-26-2013, 07:53 PM

Hello,

Recently picked up this model 29-2 with a 4" barrel. Very pleased with the purchase. In good shape overall. Might have paid a little more than what they go for, but that's ok too.

In disassembling, I noticed that the frame had some unusual marks; with the addition of the grips having unusual marks too.

I think Roy posted something awhile ago that these markings on the frame were from the fitters--is there any more information? Also, the grips had a stamp on them I have a hard time distinguishing (the circular stamp). The bottom stamp is month and date, but the "Book" has a different date of mfg on it.

I was hopeful someone might have additional advice. Serial number N75XXXX.

Please post your pics of 29-2's as well.

murphydog · #2 10-26-2013, 08:02 PM

I suspect no one can tell you the meaning of the stampings on the right grip frame - inspector's or fitter's marks is the usual assumption.

You didn't post a photo of the left stock panel, but if it has the fuller "speedloader" rather than the smaller "football" cutout they are likely later production and not original to the gun. It may have sat on a factory shelf until late 1981 and had these stocks put on , but I think not.

TheHobbyist · #3 10-26-2013, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the information Alan. The left grips are the 'speedloader' version. I'm really pleased with it, but was somewhat surprised when I saw these marks.

I bought it from the original owner who claims that no modifications were done in ~30 years.

Alk8944 · #4 10-26-2013, 08:16 PM

The random stamps represent fitters and/or inspectors at various stages of production. S&W never maintained permanent records of who was represented by each mark, and over the years there was much duplication.

Sometime in the 1970s S&W stopped fitting stocks to specific revolvers and simply produced them as stock items. Sometime in this period S&W began selling shrink-wrapped parts and accessories. Stocks, particularly target or combat types were included. Stocks came to have a date stamp applied in ink to them indicating the date the stocks were produced. The target stocks you have could have been purchased as an accessory item after the gun was sold. There only appears to be one year between the SN range and the date on the stocks, so who really knows.

murphydog · #5 10-26-2013, 08:57 PM

I see what you were asking...none of the stampings indicate anything except normal factory processing before sale as a new gun. Many older guns returned to the factory for work had stampings indicating the work done (usually a refinishing) along with the month/year the work was done, but these are not on your model 29.