My first 44 Magnum

[DV0]

I know, late to the party. I didn’t want to open up a new chapter - and my wallet so I resisted all along. But… to round out my 4 screw N frame collection I just needed at least one (?)… we all know how that goes.



4” 4 screw 44 Mag model 29. This one has all the options and cokes. I do prefer the old style script and diamond stocks. Currently in the queue for a next week pickup.

Preliminary inspection is favorable as everything checks out, feeler gauge and dissection will be used later.



Sometimes they turn up nicer than you expect and that’s always pleasing. It actually is much cleaner than appears in the photos because I later wiped it down. It was lost in transit for a few days as there was no signature required so it just sat in a void for a while, happy it appeared eventually.



In the mean time I’ve had a hard time finding 44 mag ammo locally so I sourced some when I was out of state for work, worked out nicely. Seems here in Ca. lately It’s very hit and miss on what’s available and have run into this before, so I stocked up on 300 rounds.

I’m really excited about getting this out to the range now, it looks like it will happen Friday as I have made my work schedule accordingly.



After I put this one through it’s paces I’ll get all the big boys out for a group shot. Stay tuned..

 

[DV0]

 

[jeffrefrig]

DVO, that’s a nice one. The only thing I have comparable is an early model 57 in .41mag. Very nice!

 

[Jocko-44]

WOW! congrats

 

[SS57]

Anyone would be proud to own that beaut. Congrats.

 

[AC Man]

As a 44 mag collector I am curious. The premodel 29 was a 5 screw, and then a 4 screw. Most by the time they were given a model number they were a 3 screw. So question is is this a no dash or what dash is it? Or is it a premodel?

 

[DV0]

This is marked Model 29 in the yoke. No dash.
So the 4 screw model 29 marked wasn’t common?

 

[Engine49guy]

Very nice Model 29!

N frames are not my primary focus but did S&W offer the standard cataloged 29 without wide TT/TH , RR/WO and Target stocks prior to say 1989 ?

 

[DARE]

As a 44 mag collector I am curious. The premodel 29 was a 5 screw, and then a 4 screw. Most by the time they were given a model number they were a 3 screw. So question is is this a no dash or what dash is it? Or is it a premodel?

He says it is a 4-screw Model 29, so I assume model marked. I had a 4-screw Pre-Model 29 S179052 that shipped in July 1958. Think the Model 29s were 4-screw from some time in 1958 until 1961. Model numbers were announced in 1957 but don't think any were marked before 1958.

 

[Muley Gil]

Very nice Model 29!

N frames are not my primary focus but did S&W offer the standard cataloged 29 without wide TT/TH , RR/WO and Target stocks prior to say 1989 ?

No, the .44 Magnum came standard with the TT, TH, RR, WO and target stocks from the introduction in 1956.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I have had several M29's The only one I still have is a M29-2 6" that I took a buck in 11-29-78 in PA.
It was an interesting hunt.

 

[stansdds]

In the mean time I’ve had a hard time finding 44 mag ammo locally so I sourced some when I was out of state for work, worked out nicely. Seems here in Ca. lately It’s very hit and miss on what’s available and have run into this before, so I stocked up on 300 rounds.

You need to learn how to reload your ammo. Full power 44 Magnum fired in a 4-inch barreled S&W is a real handful of recoil. By loading your own ammo, you don't have to worry about finding loaded ammo locally and with proper powder and bullet selection, you can make ammo that is accurate and produces much lower velocity and recoil, which will make that S&W last longer and be enjoyable to shoot.

 

[Retired W4]

I really like DVO's 29. I thought it was interesting that the shipper was able to send it without "adult signature required". I thought that was required for firearms. Maybe I read the original post incorrectly. Regardless, fine looking 4" 44. They are a handful with full power magnum ammo.

 

[Bald1]

I have had several M29's The only one I still have is a M29-2 6" that I took a buck in 11-29-78 in PA.
It was an interesting hunt.
View attachment 766473

You sure that’s not an antelope?
I hunted PA in the late 90s near Punxsutawney. Deer were running around everywhere like rabbits. Never saw that volume anywhere else. Small deer small racks. The locals called them brush bucks.

 

[dshuf118]

You need to learn how to reload your ammo. Full power 44 Magnum fired in a 4-inch barreled S&W is a real handful of recoil. By loading your own ammo, you don't have to worry about finding loaded ammo locally and with proper powder and bullet selection, you can make ammo that is accurate and produces much lower velocity and recoil, which will make that S&W last longer and be enjoyable to shoot.

I concur. A nice midrange load (240g/1100 fps) is a pleasure in the Model 29.

 

[AC Man]

Yes. 29 no dash was given a model number from roughly 1957 serial 179000 to 1960. Then became the 29- 1 25% premium for 4". This according to Smith & Wesson 4th edition catalog