Chronology of the Model 29

[AC Man]

Can someone determine how many 5 screw and how many 4 screw pre 29's were shipped. I think I have seen the facts on the 5 screw but not the 4 screw. The reason I ask is it seems the time frame on the 4 screw was even less than the 5 screw. Looking thru the Smith catalog I can't tell.

 

[BamBam125]

I have two Smith and Wesson model 29's and there serial numbers start with CVA and CST, do you know why that is, I can't seem to find anything about there info on that.

 

[DARE]

I had a 4-screw that shipped in July 1958 number S179052. I foolishly sold it. Replaced it with 5-screw that shipped in December 1956 number S153063.

 

[Retired W4]

I have two Smith and Wesson model 29's and there serial numbers start with CVA and CST, do you know why that is, I can't seem to find anything about there info on that.

The 3 letter/4 number serial numbers started in 1980 with AAA.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Wiki has a nice page on it..

Smith & Wesson Model 29 - Wikipedia

 

[TheTinMan]

Wiki has a nice page on it..

Smith & Wesson Model 29 - Wikipedia

Nice but not entirely accurate or complete.

 

[Jeep 1]

I have two Smith and Wesson model 29's and there serial numbers start with CVA and CST, do you know why that is, I can't seem to find anything about there info on that.

Those are model 29-8 or newer from around 2008 to 2010 and they have the internal lock on the side of them you should be able to find all kinds of information on them. They are not rare.
Tom

 

[29-1]

I have never seen or heard of a Mod 29 No Dash with 5 screws. ALL I have seen are 4 screws,

Lee, amen!

 

[29-1]

Maybe to summarize and clarify what has been said.

The S&W .44 Magnum began shipping in January 1956 (one shipped in December 1955, but we won't count that one)

September 1956, the change order to eliminate the top sideplate screw issued.

June 1957, the change order to model mark the guns issued, the .44 Magnum to be the Model 29.

During the transition period between September 1956 until apparently early 1958, .44 Magnums were shipped with 5 screws and 4 screws, non model marked. It took awhile to make the changes as S&W used the frames already made before using the 4 screw ones. (I have a 4 screw non model marked .44 Magnum shipped in 1958)

The cylinder stop plunger and screw were eliminated in 1959, and the gun became the 3 screw model.

In 1960, the extractor rod threads were changed from right hand to left hand, the change resulted in the Model 29-2.

The 29-2 stayed the same for about 20 years or so, when the pinned and recessed were removed resulting in the 29-3. Again there was a transition period when there were 29-3s shipped with either pinned and not recessed, or recessed and not pinned. Maybe a few 29-2s were shipped that way too? Generally by 1982 they were pretty much 29-3s.

29-1 May 1962-April 1963?