Help with Model 29 serial numbers

[muddober]

According to John Taffin the 29-2 started at serial number S270000 yet I have one serial number S237XXX, marked "mod 29-2" and it came with diamond cokes.

Could someone please explian, perhaps Taffin is wrong on serial number info.

Ron

 

[Nightowl]

Mine is in the S231xxx range. I imagine someone with much more knowledge that I have can give a better answer.

 

[snw19_357]

Please check out the Expert Commentary by our own Doc44. I think it will answer all of your questions, and some you didn't have.

 

[muddober]

Please check out the Expert Commentary by our own Doc44. I think it will answer all of your questions, and some you didn't have.

Thanks but it did not answer my question about 29-2 serial number ranges, but it did ruin my keyboard because of all my drool looking at first year production nickeled gun.

Ron

 

[davegarage]

My 29-2

My 29-2 Nickel is serial #N769999. Yep, four of a kind. I found it with target grips that were dated 1980. Holds true with this little source I will share... How to Identify/Date a S&W

Dave

 

[Doc44]

Per Jinks' book, the Model 29-2 started at serial number S227149 when the switch to the 3-screw frame was made. The lowest serial number for a 29-2 I have actually seen is S227832. In 1962 and early 1963, there were revolvers stamped MOD. 29-1 in the yoke cut (and a few stamped MOD. 29-2) that have a 3-screw frame and an extractor rod with the old style, right-hand thread, as S&W as using up its old parts. By early 1963, at around S230000, S&W was shipping revolvers stamped MOD.29-2 in the yoke cut and correctly configured with a 3-screw frame and an extractor rod with a left-hand thread.

1962 and early 1963 was truly a period of of transition for the Model 29. The Model 29-2 was produced for approximately 20 years until the Model 29-3 was introduced in 1982 at a serial number in the high N800000 range.

Revolvers in the S270000 range were shipped in 1966, long after the Model 29-2 was introduced.

Bill

 

[z4lunch]

My 29-2 Nickel is serial #N769999. Yep, four of a kind. I found it with target grips that were dated 1980. Holds true with this little source I will share... How to Identify/Date a S&W

Dave

This should be a sticky...Hole lot of info there
Steve
I cut and pasted it for my own records
Steve

 

[C Broad Arrow]

Do the N Series come after the S series in the numbering. I have a N147XXX. Any info you could provide would be appreciated.

 

[Doc44]

The N-prefix began in 1970 as a result of the Gun Control Act of 1968. N147XXX probably dates to 1974. The S-prefix serial numbers were discontinued when the N-prefix numbers began.

Bill

 

[rixter66]

New member, sorry to butt in.

I don't know if this is the right spot to ask, but I have a Mod 29 question. I have had my 29-2 for a few years and have seen 4, 6 and 8 inch barrels mentioned. Mine is a 5 inch, and I was wondering if that was ever an option. The serial number is N813XXX, and from the looks of it was at the tail end of the 29-2 era. Any information would be helpful.

 

[C Broad Arrow]

The N-prefix began in 1970 as a result of the Gun Control Act of 1968. N147XXX probably dates to 1974. The S-prefix serial numbers were discontinued when the N-prefix numbers began.

Bill

Thanks Bill! Is there any years of serial numbers for the 29 that are more highly valued than others or those that should be avoided?

 

[Doc44]

The Model 29 was produced with a 5-inch barrel from 1956 to around 1963 and rarely after that. I have not heard of a 29-2 with a 5-inch barrel and serial number above N76000.

The 6 1/2-inch barrel was discontinued in 1979 and many collectors are not interested in a 29-2 with a 6-inch barrel. All I can offer is the older the 29-2 the better.

Bill

 

[C Broad Arrow]

Again thanks Bill.

 

[ray1944]

How about model 29-3?

 

[Doc44]

The 29-3 was introduced in 1982. I am not sure of the earliest serial number, but somewhere in the N880000 range is probably fairly close.

Bill