Look back at Model 29

[Mine are K's]

There is a link in a current NRA newsletter for an American Rifleman article... "A Look Back: The Smith and Wesson Model 29...interesting history and how it was developed.

A Look Back at the Smith & Wesson Model 29

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Thanks for the link,Maybe Doc44 will post a pic of his january 56' .44MAG.

 

[29-1]

Thanks for the link,Maybe Doc44 will post a pic of his january 56' .44MAG.

Here's S130938 which shipped 1/31/1956. It is accompanied with a box of prototype 44 Magnum ammo which was originally shipped to Elmer Keith to use with S147220, his January 1956 44 Mag. Enjoy
Chuck

 

[Doc44]

"Prototype" 44 Magnum, S121836, manufactured in January 1955 as a photo and show sample revolver after S&W decided the revolver needed to be heavier to reduce recoil. Referred to in the literature and factory letters as the "First 44 Magnum".

Bill

 

[29-1]

"Prototype" 44 Magnum, S121836, manufactured in January 1955 as a photo and show sample revolver after S&W decided the revolver needed to be heavier to reduce recoil. Referred to in the literature and factory letters as the "First 44 Magnum".

Bill

Bill, I hoped you'd post this one. What a great 44 Magnum!
Chuck

 

[JPriest]

"Prototype" 44 Magnum, S121836, manufactured in January 1955 as a photo and show sample revolver after S&W decided the revolver needed to be heavier to reduce recoil. Referred to in the literature and factory letters as the "First 44 Magnum".

Bill

WOW! Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

 

[boykinlp]

"Prototype" 44 Magnum, S121836, manufactured in January 1955 as a photo and show sample revolver after S&W decided the revolver needed to be heavier to reduce recoil. Referred to in the literature and factory letters as the "First 44 Magnum".

Bill

Any idea what the actual changes were?

 

[Doc44]

The revolver or revolvers provided to Remington to do the cartridge development were 1950 Target 44s that were given a special heat treatment and chambered in 44 Magnum. At least one of these has serial number S121839 and a 4-inch barrel. They were able to withstand the pressures generated by the new round, but the recoil was unacceptable. S&W added the heavy barrel and possibly a larger cylinder to increase the weight of the new gun.

Bill