How rare are these? Been looking for some time now and can't seem to locate one. Thanks! Mick

44 Magnums model marked 29-1 are quite scarce. Only about 30 of these have been documented by collectors thus far. They were typically shipped between 1962 & 1963. I think anyone that collects 44 Magnums gets excited to even see a Model 29-1. They do surface occasionally. Good luck finding one!

The -1s of most models (not the J frames) are always the rarest because the -2s came along so soon afterwards.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

While the 29-1 isn't commonly encountered and sought after by collectors as a grail piece I'm a bit more skeptical.

We know that S&W didn't waste good parts, so lets assume that when the engineers came up with the next two big improvements the first was to address the problem of the extractor rod unscrewing under use.

Once the supply of older right hand thread cylinders was exhausted the new left hand thread cylinder was used on the 4 screw frame as the 29-1.

As the changeover to the new 3 screw frame is implemented and the supply of 4 screw Magnum N frames is depleted the new three screw N Magnum frame emerges and the 29-2 is then born.

The Model 29-1 is a bit unusual in that all but two of the thirty-five plus known have a 3-screw frame and an old style extractor rod with a right-hand thread. Why this occurred is not known, but it probably is a result of production scheduling for the Model 29 as well as a large supply of extractor rods and stems with a right-hand thread. Most of the Model 29-1s were shipped from May-December 1962. The serial number range is approximately S220000 to S230000. The Model 29-2 began to ship in late 1962 and even a few of these early -2 revolvers have an extractor rod with a right-hand thread.

The first photo shows S229224, Model 29-1, shipped in September 1962 with a 3-screw frame and extractor rod with an old style, right-hand thread. The second photo shows S220004, Model 29-1, shipped in December 1962, one of two with a 4-screw frame, extractor rod with an improved, left-hand thread, and nickel finish. Click on the photos for a better look.

Bill

A 29 or a 29-2 go for 2k to 3k....29-1s are almost double!

Agreed. And not just 29-1s. We've seen this phenomenon in every model produced since the dash #s came into use.

There are voluminous examples of revolvers with a new dash number but w/o the new engineering change and even more w/o the new dash # but with the new change!

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Jim
S&WCA #819

This thread isn't too old, I'll resurrect it to comment on the 29-1 I saw at the Fort Worth show yesterday. First 29-1 I've actually seen in the wild I think. 99+% with box/etc. and price was $8600, same seller also had an equally nice 19-1 for $3600. Or both for $11k if I took them yesterday. . .which I didn't. Very nice but are they really worth that much?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Jeff, yes and no to your question is the -1 variation worth the price you saw at the FT Worth show. Yes from the standpoint of scarcity. Only 35 or so have been documented in the last 15-20 years collectors like myself have been chasing after them. It wasn't until the internet got going in a serious way that most of the 35 were discovered. As the owner at one time or another of a good 1/3+ of those we know about I can say they do show up now and then but rarely enough that if a Model 29 collector wants to fill the -1 hole in their collection of pre-29 to -10, my advice is to buy it when you find it. You might very well not get a second chance unless you luck on to one where the seller doesn't know the significance of the model number. The seller in Ft Worth obviously knows what he has. No for the reason that if you're patient enough you might be lucky and find one for considerably less$. But again, with only 35+- showing up after the past 20 years and with a full blown internet, almost daily gun auctions somewhere, and the -1 mystique only getting bigger, like any other model, it's worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Good luck!
Chuck
1517

Here's S219982 the second 4 screw nickel -1 discovered so far.

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SWCA1517 SWHF256
Rangers LTW!

I've seen two sell in the last 30 days at action. Both north of six grand.

What are the 29-2's without boxes going for?

Does anyone know why my 19-5 and 19-3 4.0 barrel combat magnums seem to have jumped quicker than the 29-2 6.5 barrel magnum? I have the wooden presentation case original paperwork and it is just the most beautiful gun .

Welcome to the Forum, lots of good information here. Not sure what you mean by "jumped quicker?" If you can elaborate a bit perhaps folks here can offer some thoughts; pictures? All three you mention are great revolvers. An S sn 29-2 6.5 was the first S&W 44 I ever bought. . . .back in 1975.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I've got a Model 14-1 four inch gun. I guess I better do some research on it. I used to shoot it frequently. Now it's collecting dust...J/K.

I only have one -1 gun, a 66-1.

I'd like to have a 27-1 but I doubt that I'll be picking up any more guns.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

The scarce -1 versions are only those that being model marked as early as 1960. Any revolver introduced after this would not share the scarcity of the earlier ones, ie any of the stainless guns, models 57, 58, etc. And I think this just holds true for the K and N frames.

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Charlie

The -1 model variation being discussed in this thread is the engineering directive (#586) that changed the threads on the extractor rod from right to left hand in order to keep the rod from loosening due to recoil (of the 44 Magnum). The directive was issued on December 22, 1959, but it took over two years to implement with most -1 models being shipping in 1962 (a few in 1963).

Bill

How about a Model 29 Wyoming commiserative of the 100 years statehood, in nice &W wooden presentation case? Any idea of potential price> See my post Wyoming Centennial. I would love to see it in the hands of a WY resident

I inherited a 29-1 looks to be barely shot. I am not sur how to attach pictures on this site.

To post pictures on this site from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, you have to treat them as attachments to your post. Click on Go Advanced below the text box and then click on the paper clip icon. Browse to the picture on your device and upload it. You can do this 5 times per post.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Here is a couple of pictures...Thanks

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	29-1.jpg (34.0 KB, 151 views)
	full 29-1.jpg (108.8 KB, 142 views)

That's a very nice inheritance. You may know that the stocks are not S&W so are not correct for the gun. Can you list the serial number please, we, jcelect, keep a running tally of the numbers as there are so few of them; about 66 last I knew a year or so ago. Would be nice to know if this one is already listed or adds one more to the total. We need better pictures please.

Here's a picture of mine so that you can see what the "oversize target stocks" often called "cokes" by collectors that would have shipped with your gun look like. Welcome to the Forum, great entrance and first post.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Welcome to the forum. A 29-1 is a great first post. As Jeff said, we love pictures!

Very scarce Model 29 variant.

I ran across one several years ago and was able to buy it. I haven't seen one in person since.

Here's another picture of some "coke bottle" grips. These grips were made from 1956-1968. Your pistol will likely fall in the 1962-1963 time frame.

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DSC00474.jpg (168.0 KB, 634 views)

Appreciate all the info. It was was my step dads gun. I shot it once when I was a 19 YO in 1980. I know he never shot it again. He passed many years ago, I got it in 2008 and put it in my safe. I knew it was special but until recently I had no idea how special it is until I found this forum. I will take better pictures tomorrow and get the serial number to show. Thanks again

hopefully this shows the S/N

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serial.jpg (75.2 KB, 122 views)

S229839 was shipped June, 1962. If you haven't here is a interesting thread of 29-1's.

29-1

Yours is definitely in the correct serial # range and not on the data base that I have. Mine, however, is probably missing some updates.

As you can imagine, with scarcity and pricing to reflect as much, counterfeiting becomes an issue. Thus the data base and numbers ranges.

Factory records are, of course, the final verification.

My M27-2, which was once a 3 1/2" .357 and is now a 5" .44 Special, #S229385, shipped in February 1963.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I have no idea as to scarcity, but I have 29-2 with a 3 overstamp. Not pinned or recessed, also nickeled. Has anyone else seen a 29-2/3 overstamp? Or, for that matter, any S&W with an overstamped model number?

S229834 (that's what I see although still a little fuzzy) is not on the list I have although I may not have the complete list either. I'll send this number to Joe to add to his list. Thanks.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Resurrected again. Now Mr. Oggie needs to get some cokes for his step dad's gun. What a great inheritance.

Sixty-seven Model 29-1s (counting the one in this thread) have been reported by collectors as of April 2023. Since my number is a year old, I am sure there are a few more. S229834 was shipped in June 1962.

Bill

And S228098, which also wasn't on my list, is available for sale (not on an auction site). I've sent both numbers to jcelect to add to his list.

Turns out there is another 29-1 for sale at the same place but the SN is not listed (I've asked for it). Box etc. and correct stocks; asking price $11,750.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

It appears your revolver is missing the orange insert in the front sight. Also appears that the trigger is blued, might be the lighting?

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BCCI Life Member #2068

Yes, I enlarged the photo and the sight insert is missing. The good news is that can be fixed. The trigger looks to me to be dark case colors but it's hard to tell. All fixable and worth the effort if needed.

Thank you all for the knowledge here on this forum. I knew it needed the sight fixed and the coke grips. I wonder where they went? It seems weird they were replaced. Where can I look to find the cokes and what is a typical price? To me the blueing looks original. The gun looks good with minimal use. I am certainly no expert though.

The classified/accessory section right here. Brace yourself.

There is now 70 serial numbers in my 29-1 database.
jcelect

I liked it better when it was only 28 or 30.

Hope you got those that were in the Classified Section, pretty good price I thought. If not, they show up occasionally on eBay.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Me too, but 70 is still a pretty small number. The two I know of for sale now at $8800 and $11,750 should give you some encouragement. Especially should they sell at those prices. . . .

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Great guns!!

Thanks for sharing,

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

I saw those and it does. I bought this one in 2012 for $1250. A very good price even then. Other than a faint turn line, not a mark on it and the cokes are outstanding.



I know it's on the wrong side of the case. I'm left handed and stupid...give me a break!

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The cokes in the classifieds are sold. What about buying a pre 1968 29-2 gun that has the cokes and switching the grips? Are pre 1968 29-2 guns expensive? I am not sure of there prices or if that would be worth doing.

Not likely that you're going to find a gun with cokes where it will make sense to cannibalize for the cokes. Watch eBay, they show up there fairly often and I'd put an add here in the Want To Buy section. Folks here have lots of stuff in their "woodpiles" and someone will likely be willing to turn loose of a set.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

One thing to watch for on ebay is folks sell N frame targets as cokes, mis-identified. I doesn't happen often but it does happen and I have seen it. There are threads here that will help you ID the real thing.

I found one recently...An early 6 1/2" Model of 1950 .44 Target that came to me wearing cokes...Fortunately in looking through my hoard I found a pair of non-relieved targets that fit perfectly...I have a letter pending on this one...Now, what to do with the cokes......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

Sell them to me....

A little help for ya!
BTW I just sold a set on the forum this morning.....
Need Cokes for 29-1

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

Thanks, I may hang on to them for a bit...Somebody may come along trying to sell me an older .44 Magnum wearing a Hogue rubber monogrip...Then what would I do?......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...