Model 29-58, 44 Magnum Caliber

[Doc44]

In 1974, S&W made three 44 Magnums that utilized a Model 58 grip frame. The guns were made on special order for American Firearms in Wareham, MA. Each gun is stamped MOD 29 in the yoke cut and was invoiced as a plain Model 58 so the extra work would not be charged to the purchaser. Mr. Jinks explains in the letter these guns were special ordered. Eventually, the practice of making special order guns and invoicing them as regular models was stopped.

The end label is marked 29-58 in the model number box.

Each gun has a 3 1/4-inch barrel, fixed sights, red ramp front, thinned trigger guard, combat trigger, target hammer, and a custom, round grip frame. Keith Brown made the special combat stocks for this one after I sent him the original Magna style smooth stocks to use as a guide.

These guns are the type the Performance Center is making now on special order.

Bill

 

[Arisin Wind]

Beautiful! What a gun. The perfect fighting gun.

 

[Doug M.]

Whatcha mean the type the PC is making on special order? Can one take a menu in and order ala carte? I thought that did not happen as it did back before WW2 or so. I have some ideas if we can!

 

[Chop]

Wow, that is sharp.

Are they marked 44 Mag on the barrel?

Chop

 

[Iggy]

That was my dream gun when involved in LE. Only remain in 41 magnum.

Now I find out about it 40 years too late.

Thanks for sharing..

 

[KLYDE]

Absolutely outstanding. What class!!

 

[Doc44]

The right side of the barrel is roll marked 44 MAGNUM.

Bill

 

[boykinlp]

The gun and grips are amazing. It would make a nice carry piece if it weren't so rare.

 

[Fredo Batali]

I want one, no wait, I want two, no wait, I want ... What a classy six-gun! Thanks for sharing.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[Nedroe]

I Rolled My Own.......

The real ones are indeed awesome! I had to have one, so I did this one up on a 58 frame.

Ned

 

[Oregon45]

Very cool. I've been considering something similar on a Model 58 I've got with a badly pitted barrel. Thinking 45 Colt with an M25 barrel.

 

[BSA1]

Dare I ask how much the PC is charging?

 

[mmande]

My 58/29 just back from bluing

58_2944MAG_zps795d79fe.jpg photo by mmande | Photobucket

58_29_zpsf70d6060.jpg photo by mmande | Photobucket

Sorry but I read all the instructions about posting pictures and this is all I could get to work. (I think the instructions need to be updated).

Anyway, when I saw Bill's first thread about his 29/58 I decided I had to have one! I was able to obtain everything I needed here on this forum, thanks to the great members we have. The serial number on the "S" frame 58 was far enough forward to be able to make it a round butt following the curve of N frame combat stocks. The barrel I obtained already had the two pin front sight machined into a low profile. I had a local tool & die maker machine the barrel so the sight would set down flush with the serrations. I really wanted to shorten the barrel but the slot for the sight would have shown on the front end and would not have looked very good.
I put it all together to shoot it before having it reblued. With standard 240 grain loads it shoots a little high at 50 feet but with 210 grain defense loads it is almost dead on. It's not a factory original but I am VERY happy that I built it.
Mike

P.S. I have a model 58 barrel and cylinder for sale now.......

 

[mmande]

Thank you very much Bill. I would sure like to know what I did wrong for future picture posting.
Mike

 

[Doc44]

Mike....great looking 29-58!!!!

Bill

 

[williamlayton]

I have two that I am considering the same treatment on.
One is at Accurate Plating now--it is just a plain ol M28 .357 4 incher. The other is a .41 Mag that has some wormhole porting---I am told this was an aftermarket porting Job---that I am considering.
I like the look and I like the length (sp).
Thanks for the pics.
Blessings