"Model 29" verification of model

[FiReBReTHa]

I am going nuts!

A friend of mine was picking up a "29"
But I am not sure of the "Model" (to pertain to how it is officially listed, to log into FFL book)

Because from numbers it seems like a "Pre 29" but of course that is not engraved on the unit.


If you guys can help me out its appreciated!










Any advice you can give is appreciated!

 

[arjay]

I believe S&W called it The 44 Magnum prior to model numbers.

 

[srsmyth]

Looks like a Pre-29 6.5" 4 screw, I have one with a very close serial #.
Steve

 

[DWalt]

As there is no model stamping in the yoke area, it's a pre-Model 29, or as it was called back then, simply a ".44 Magnum." It looks to have the renowned "Coke" stocks. That is a big plus for value.

S176,000 – S181,999……Late 1957 – Early 1958 (manufacture)
Model numbering started in the high S183000 range

It should have three screws holding the sideplate on, or I would think so from the SN. One screw will be hidden under the right stock panel.

 

[FiReBReTHa]

ah, so the official paperwork model number is simply, "44 Magnum" ?

Interesting about the coke stocks. I didn't catch that.

 

[DWalt]

Yes - that was its official S&W name.

 

[g8rb8]

As there is no model stamping in the yoke area, it's a pre-Model 29, or as it was called back then, simply a ".44 Magnum." It looks to have the renowned "Coke" stocks. That is a big plus for value.

S176,000 – S181,999……Late 1957 – Early 1958 (manufacture)
Model numbering started in the high S183000 range

It should have three screws holding the sideplate on, or I would think so from the SN. One screw will be hidden under the right stock panel.

I basically agree with DWalt.
In the SCSW (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson) it is referred to as "The .44 Magnum" and it is also referred to as a "Pre-Model 29" so I would think an accurate entry for the model in a log book might be "The .44 Magnum a.k.a. Pre-Model 29."
John

 

[DWalt]

I basically agree with DWalt.
In the SCSW (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson) it is referred to as "The .44 Magnum" and it is also referred to as a "Pre-Model 29" so I would think an accurate entry for the model in a log book might be "The .44 Magnum a.k.a. Pre-Model 29."
John

Of course, S&W could not have called it a pre-anything, as model numbering had not yet started. Unless they had a psychic on staff to foresee the future. The pre-model designation is a collector convention, not S&Ws.

 

[Doc44]

When I log "pre-model S&W firearms" into my bound book, I use the official name (i.e. 44 Magnum, Combat Magnum, etc.). That is also how S&W identified the firearm on their invoice.

Bill