I don't know how many Pre-Model 29s with an 8 3/8-inch barrel and 4-screw frame were made, but based on the fact you see very few, I would guess at fifty or less. I own two, both of which were shipped in December 1958.
Bill
Bill
Any info appreciated .44 magnum
- Thread starter thompjp4373
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RobertJ.
Member
I really dislike forums like that. That's why I spend all my time here!
Out of curiosity, what was the rifle? Whatever it is, I'd bet money that someone here can give you info on it. I posted a photo of a fish I found washed up on the beach that wasn't native to our area, and within eighteen minutes someone posted a photo of a live one, and was able to tell me exactly what it was.
That's a nice .44 you have, and welcome to the forum!
John if you swing the cylinder out and look at the underside of the barrel.
Is there a serial number there and does it match ?
Is there a serial number there and does it match ?
One way to sell it and get a fair price is right here on the Classified side of the Forum. No commission and no fee to list it and of course plenty of folks who will be very interested in it. Get an agreement on price and shipping, pack it up and have your FFL ship it to the buyers FFL. Pretty simple really and you'll make someone here happy too. Or keep it and shoot it. . . .and make yourself happy. Good luck.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Factory Letters are great!
OP;
It appears that you bought a very, very nice long barrel, early 44 Magnum.
If it does turn out to be, as Doc 44 (THE expert on 44 Magnums), one of 50 or so I would say you are indeed sitting on a valuable firearm. Along with what anecdotes you can assemble about the owner before you, meaning the gentleman that had the gun originally and presumable passed on and the Estate sale was for his Estate, a Factory Letter of Authentication will confirm as to when, where and how (configuration wise) it left the factory.
I cannot shoot Magnum revolvers any more due to a medical condition, however last summer/fall when I sold my Magnums on this Forum, one was a Model 29-2 (Target grips..not "cokes") with wooden presentation case, unopened tools. The blue flocking had deteriorated and turned to dust years earlier. Attached is an example of a Factory Letter regarding that very gun, so you can see the kind of information you get from such a Letter. I only have a pdf file of page 2 and I gave the original 2 page LOA to the purchaser of my gun, but page 1 is full of the history of the 44 Magnum so I'll see if I can convert an old copy file to pdf and post page 1 another time.
My Model 29-2 sold just a few months ago for $1,500 which would be well under bare minimum for yours in my opinion and most likely much more as there are those that not only desire early Models, or pre-Models in high condition, but also collect the long barrel variants.
I sell (and buy) pretty much either local, or from this Forum, but I have heard that the big auction houses will bring you a larger return, buy you may not net as much after fees and all which I hear can be quite steep.
Right now there is a moratorium on requesting Factory Letters but that will lift in January 2022 (see note at top of forum pages).
In your case I personally would do nothing more with the firearm until you can obtain a LOA, then come back here and post as much information about it, with pictures, as you can and you will find that the many experts here will help you out with better evaluations. I don't recommend leaving the gun in that case, to avoid any deterioration of the guns' finish, or the case liner.
Best of luck with what you are doing, and please come back and let us know how it all works out.
OP;
It appears that you bought a very, very nice long barrel, early 44 Magnum.
If it does turn out to be, as Doc 44 (THE expert on 44 Magnums), one of 50 or so I would say you are indeed sitting on a valuable firearm. Along with what anecdotes you can assemble about the owner before you, meaning the gentleman that had the gun originally and presumable passed on and the Estate sale was for his Estate, a Factory Letter of Authentication will confirm as to when, where and how (configuration wise) it left the factory.
I cannot shoot Magnum revolvers any more due to a medical condition, however last summer/fall when I sold my Magnums on this Forum, one was a Model 29-2 (Target grips..not "cokes") with wooden presentation case, unopened tools. The blue flocking had deteriorated and turned to dust years earlier. Attached is an example of a Factory Letter regarding that very gun, so you can see the kind of information you get from such a Letter. I only have a pdf file of page 2 and I gave the original 2 page LOA to the purchaser of my gun, but page 1 is full of the history of the 44 Magnum so I'll see if I can convert an old copy file to pdf and post page 1 another time.
My Model 29-2 sold just a few months ago for $1,500 which would be well under bare minimum for yours in my opinion and most likely much more as there are those that not only desire early Models, or pre-Models in high condition, but also collect the long barrel variants.
I sell (and buy) pretty much either local, or from this Forum, but I have heard that the big auction houses will bring you a larger return, buy you may not net as much after fees and all which I hear can be quite steep.
Right now there is a moratorium on requesting Factory Letters but that will lift in January 2022 (see note at top of forum pages).
In your case I personally would do nothing more with the firearm until you can obtain a LOA, then come back here and post as much information about it, with pictures, as you can and you will find that the many experts here will help you out with better evaluations. I don't recommend leaving the gun in that case, to avoid any deterioration of the guns' finish, or the case liner.
Best of luck with what you are doing, and please come back and let us know how it all works out.
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thompjp4373
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Hi yes the serial number matches the one on the frame under the grips.
OP
thompjp4373
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Lol. I was on the Marlin firearms forum and was asking about my 1951. Model 39a called a peanut because of the brass insert in the pistol grip cap…
dsf
Member
Thanks, didn't know that re the early made cases. Mine go back to early 70's only.
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OP
thompjp4373
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According to Doc44 the gun was from 1958 but someone has changed the barrel at some point. It is a really nice gun but from a historical point of view now it seems to be not worth much, so I will probably let my son shoot it and have fun. What is the opinion of all, it it something I should sell, or just hold on to it and have fun? This kind of weapon is outside my experience since I am more of a pistol guy.
Thanks,
John
Thanks,
John
My advise is sort everything out first.
Especially the barrel aspect.
You said the serial matches
Take your time on this.
Can you post several more pictures ?
Inclusive of the barrel serial and both sides of the grip frame with the grips removed.
Don't shoot yourself in the foot here
Pun intended
Especially the barrel aspect.
You said the serial matches
Take your time on this.
Can you post several more pictures ?
Inclusive of the barrel serial and both sides of the grip frame with the grips removed.
Don't shoot yourself in the foot here
Pun intended
Last edited:
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