Hello All,
I am new to the forum. I am seeking information on a S&W 329PD Alaska Backpacker III, .44 magnum, Scandium frame, Titanium cylinder, 4" barrel. This particular firearm that I have has the engraved bear scene on the right side of the frame and "Alaska Backpacker III" on the right side of the barrel. It is not the more common 329PD version with the engraved "Atom" that is currently available.
I contacted S&W and gave them the serial and was told that they are quite rare and there were only 249 of these pistols made. They gave me a date of manufacture of 09/16/2003 for my revolver. I purchased this revolver on July 29, 2004 in Eagle River, Alaska from Boondocks Sporting Goods. Has anyone ever run across these models and does anyone know the history of why only 249 were made. I am trying to get a value for insurance purposes but I have no idea where to start. Even the representative at S&W had never seen or heard of one of these one of these and she was unable to find it mentioned in the latest (3rd) edition of The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson which really surprised her, since it includes models made up to 2006. I sent them some pictures and they seemed very pleased to see one. I will probably get an authentication letter from S&W and then get the history but I wanted to query the forum first. Any information from the experts would be much appreciated.
I am new to the forum. I am seeking information on a S&W 329PD Alaska Backpacker III, .44 magnum, Scandium frame, Titanium cylinder, 4" barrel. This particular firearm that I have has the engraved bear scene on the right side of the frame and "Alaska Backpacker III" on the right side of the barrel. It is not the more common 329PD version with the engraved "Atom" that is currently available.
I contacted S&W and gave them the serial and was told that they are quite rare and there were only 249 of these pistols made. They gave me a date of manufacture of 09/16/2003 for my revolver. I purchased this revolver on July 29, 2004 in Eagle River, Alaska from Boondocks Sporting Goods. Has anyone ever run across these models and does anyone know the history of why only 249 were made. I am trying to get a value for insurance purposes but I have no idea where to start. Even the representative at S&W had never seen or heard of one of these one of these and she was unable to find it mentioned in the latest (3rd) edition of The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson which really surprised her, since it includes models made up to 2006. I sent them some pictures and they seemed very pleased to see one. I will probably get an authentication letter from S&W and then get the history but I wanted to query the forum first. Any information from the experts would be much appreciated.
