Any info appreciated .44 magnum

[thompjp4373]

I just purchased this from an estate and am not really sure what I have. It looks like what I see as a pre model 29 serial number starting with 180xxx. I am probably going to sell it at some point but am very confused as it does not have model 29 anywhere on it. Any help is greatly appreciated…. Thanks, John

 

[DWalt]

Mod # started high S183000 range. Before that they were just .44 Magnums.

 

[DARE]

If your gun does not have Mod 29 on the yoke, it is probably a pre- 29. The Blue Book says Mod 29 began with SN S172250 approx. Pretty sure if you have an early gun you should have an S prefix to the number. The box in your picture does not look like an early box. Sure some folks will be along with better info than I have. The experts do not think very highly of the Blue Book.

 

[weatherby]

Hi and Welcome John.
Very nice 44 magnum.
It is quite valuable.
There are a few things off.
One would be the stocks/grips.
They should be what many refer to as cokes.
Another I think would be the sat/screwdriver
SAT= sight adjustment tool.

 

[thompjp4373]

I'm sorry the serial number does start with an S180xxx. I don't know but from what I saw elsewhere these grips were supposed to be cokes?maybe I am not understanding what they really are. I knew the original owner and this gun hasn't seen the light of day since at least the 1980s lol…. I remember him talking about it. I am still confused as to what to do with it. I have fired .44s before and although they are dramatic, I never found them fun to shoot. My sons want to shoot it but since it might be valuable I have told them no for now….

 

[boykinlp]

I also have a Pre-29, 4 screw revolver that has a serial number that starts with S1801XX. It shipped on April 8, 1958, if I remember correctly. This picture shows the correct grips that should be on your gun, and the original presentation case that came with mine. Not sure if that style case would have come with your revolver though, since yours in kinda in the serial number range for a switch over in case styles.
Larry

 

[nedlate]

I don't know but from what I saw elsewhere these grips were supposed to be cokes?maybe I am not understanding what they really are.

Here is a link to stocks/grips here on the forum. The picture 15 photos down are "Coke Bottle" grips. Note how the checkering area comes further down and all the way around. The next picture shows the type that are on your revolver.
Ed

Smith & Wesson N Frame Stocks / Grips - A Reference Guide

 

[thompjp4373]

The serial number is s1807xx. Maybe there was a change on the cases….. I really don't have a clue. I should probably get the letter I see mentioned on here. Would it document all this stuff I wonder?

 

[DWalt]

If your gun does not have Mod 29 on the yoke, it is probably a pre- 29. The Blue Book says Mod 29 began with SN S172250 approx.

The upper sideplate screw was eliminated around S172000 in 1956. There are many N-frames made after that which are pre-model numbered specimens.

 

[DWalt]

I'm sorry the serial number does start with an S180xxx. I don't know but from what I saw elsewhere these grips were supposed to be cokes?maybe I am not understanding what they really are.

Relieved N-frame "Coke bottle Target" stocks with Black washer were specific to .44 Magnum thru the 29-2 models.

 

[thompjp4373]

Thank you for the information. I see the differences now

 

[thompjp4373]

Thank you.

 

[rct269]

The serial number is s1807xx. Maybe there was a change on the cases….. I really don't have a clue. I should probably get the letter I see mentioned on here. Would it document all this stuff I wonder?

A letter will generally document everything YOU ASK FOR----------if and as best it (they) can. And if you ask for things that need describing, don't even try to describe them-----send pictures----some're good, more are better, and too many are just right!!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Kurt Stropes]

Pretty sure that barrel length came in 1960 or so, could not guess why the frame is not marked, as it would be a no dash model 29?

 

[hibbs]

The early 8 3/8" .44 Mag's came in clamshell wood presentation cases, as shown. The sat. should be a 8 or 9 band knurled AL handle/ straight black shaft. I believe the 8 3/8" .44 was first offered in late 1958.

Richard

 

[SVT28]

Nice 44 magnum OP. You might be in the same boat as me, where a prior owner sent your pre 29 in for a barrel swap. Here's my 5 screw that was sent back to the factory for its 8 3/8" barrel swap. It was for an Alaska State Patrolman

Edit: Mine also has its original Coke stocks for reference

SVT28

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[B.Thomas]

WOW!!!
Very impressive and beautiful pistol.

 

[thompjp4373]

So I get these letters from Smith and Wesson? I couldn't find anything on their site. My Colt was so much easier to get the birthday of.

 

[B.Thomas]

Here ya go.

Firearm History Request | Smith & Wesson

 

[dsf]

I always look behind the presentation box inserts. Never know what you'll find there.