Finally got my Dirty Harry gun. A question.

[Dave in Edmonds]

I've wanted a 29-2, 6.5-inch, Model 29 for as long as I can remember. Back in The Day, I didn't have the money. Then I had the money, but I had the wife that didn't want me to spend it on frivolities like my fantasy gun. Well, I got rid of the wife a few months back and found my gun not long after. It is nothing special and is in "shooter" condition. It has been carried much (it came in a well-worn leather holster) but doesn't appear to have been shot much. The bluing on the muzzle has quite a bit of wear, but the bore and cylinders are in excellent condition and the cylinder locks up very tight. I'm extremely happy with my purchase and it shoots great. What prompted this post was this thread: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...225-29-2-questions.html?593225=#post140458942 There are a couple of references here to the serial number starting with "S", versus "N", with the "S" being much more valuable. What's the deal there? Why the difference and how much of a difference are we talking about? Also, can someone let me know the year of manufacture? Serial number S319XXX.

Thanks!

 

[gman51]

According to the 4th addition S305000 - S329999 is from 1968 -1969. I would guess yours is maybe early 1969?

 

[lamarw]

The one I have is a Model 29 (no dash). It is serial number S207987, It was manufactured in 1960. It has the 6 & 1/2" barrel, coke stocks, and a clamshell Presentation Case.

My understanding is there were 3 Model 29's rounded up after significant effort to use in the Dirty Harry Movie. One of the three is currently in the NRA Museum. It is serial number S206921. Its production number is 1,066 units prior to my revolver.


I do have a Model 29-2 revolver but it would of been produced several years after the Dirty Harry Movie.

 

[s&wchad]

Collectors generally feel that earlier is better, but I think the price discrepancies are more related to the sum of the parts.

Up until about 1966, 29-2's came with "Cokes". Cokes have a larger checkering area and a slight double palm swell, when compared to regular diamond target stocks and carry a substantial premium.

Earlier presentation cases with the clamshell interior also seem to bring more than later style cases. N prefix guns never came from the factory with Cokes and seldom came with clamshell cases.

 

[rubiranch]

Congrats on both achievements. We do need pictures. Of the gun.

Here's my 1962 M29-2 S230291. I've been told here in the forum that this could have been one of the first 29-2 guns shipped.

I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but I'm looking forward to putting some rounds thru it.

 

[s&wchad]

Very nice!

That's a great example of the Cokes and clamshell case I was referring to. I would never advocate splitting up the package, but the grips and case alone would bring $800-$900. A later case and non-diamond football target stocks would bring $350-$400.

 

[Doc44]

Your Model 29-2 would have shipped in approximately mid-1969. It would have shipped with target stocks made of Goncalo alves (non-diamond type) and with a mahogany case with a Styrofoam bottom insert and sponge rubber top insert. The inserts would have been covered with a synthetic blue material. The accessories included a sight screwdriver, cotton swab, and aluminum cleaning rod with brush attached.

Bill

 

[peterdeb]

Sounds like a good trade to me!! Nothing worse than having a small thinking woman and not having your dream gun.

 

[Dave in Edmonds]

Here's a really bad cell phone picture with really harsh lighting from the left that makes it look like there's no finish left on the barrel. It is nowhere near that bad.

 

[PALADIN85020]

The "S" prefix was used early in post-war production N-frames to indicate that the new-style hammer safety was used. As the new safety was used on all revolver production and was no longer a distinction, the "N" prefix became standard.

Late in WWII, a Victory Model was dropped on a deck by a sailor, and it went off, killing him. S&W went into high gear to make a better positive hammer safety, and immediately started to equip new Victories with them. They also retrofitted the new safety into many older guns. Those so equipped have "S" prefixed or suffixed serial numbers.

I have a few S-prefixed N-frames, a 1957 Heavy Duty, a 1967 Model 28, and a 1968 Model 28. As a practical matter, in my opinion, the S-prefix should not demand a premium when sold. Some collectors may differ on that.

The "Dirty Harry" 6 1/2" Model 29-2 is certainly iconic. I have a couple of them, both with N-prefixed serials, in very nice condition. Like you, that particular model was my "grail gun" for a quite a few years.

John

 

[Doc44]

Dave...Your 29-2 should give you lots of great range time. The stocks on your 44 are correct.

Bill

 

[moosedog]

Serial number S 206921 was the serial number of the 29 used in the Dirty Harry movie's according to the NRA.
Here's an interesting article on it. NRA Blog | History in a Handgun: Dirty Harry's .44 Magnum Smith & Wesson

 

[Doc44]

S206921 was used in Magnum Force and possibly later DH movies. The two 44 Magnums used in "Dirty Harry" were made in 1970 or so in S&W's tool room from spare parts as the Model 29 was not in production at the time the guns were needed. I am positive they were Model 29-2s. If you look at the photo of DH in post #10 you will see the 44 Magnum has a 3-screw frame.

Bill

 

[Marshall 357]

Nice find enjoy your 29