Need help identifying 50's 44 mag revolver

[Dartshark]

Hi,
My father just passed down his S&W 44 mag revolver to me.
I'd like any help identifying the year and model

It is a hand ejector
6 1/2" barrel
4 screw?
Fixed frt sight
Adjustable rear sight
Target trigger (per my father)
The number under the grip is 19680 which matches a number in front of the cylinder on the arm the flips out the cyl.
The only other number is on the frame and can be seen if you flip out the cylinder s179167 at least I think it's an s

 

[samandglove1]

The correct serial # is on the butt of the revolver, and is probably the S179xxx number. It looks to be a "S&W .44 Magnum". It is usually referred to as a pre-model 29. Really nice Coke stocks.

 

[bk42261]

PLEASE don't use that "screwdriver to remove / replace the grips!!

 

[Dartshark]

Thanks for the info.
I've looked all over the butt and can find no serial number.
I'd like to get the gun refinished, does S&W do a good job?

 

[epj]

Today's S&W likely is not your first choice. The serial number should be on the bottom surface of the butt.

 

[scooter123]

You should find the serial number on the BOTTOM flat surface of the grip frame (think the surface you would use to nail up a wanted poster while holding the gun by the barrel). If you don't find the serial number there you have a really big problem, because it is against Federal Law to possess a firearm with a defaced or altered serial number.

As for re-finishing your revolver it's been several years since I saw pictures of a S&W refinish posted here but those that were posted showed a revolver that looked "better than brand new". Out of curiosity I just looked and they still do refinishing, a standard blue is 220.00 and a high brite blue (super shiny) is 275.

One issue you need to check into is whether they will refinish a revolver as old as yours. Because S&W WILL NOT provide any services on a revolver that they don't have the parts on had to repair any safety related defects. You will need to call S&W and ask them specifically if they will refinish a revolver with the serial number stamped on the bottom or your grip frame.

Another issue to be aware of is that this is not an Expidited Service by any stretch of imagination. Most likely the only way to get your revolver refinished in under 6-9 months is to purchase the entire company. BTW, if you do purchase the company could you please do something about that policy of not servicing revolvers they don't have parts to repair them with.

PS: really do hope you find the serial number where it belongs, because I would really hate to see a Pre-29 destroyed by the ATF because some foolish person thought a shorter grip frame was a good idea.

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello Shark, take a pic of the bottom of the grip. If there is no Sn, there,
you gots a problem.

 

[DWalt]

Yes, the three principal SN locations (there are others) are on the butt (the "legal" location), inside the extractor rod shroud, and on the rear face of the cylinder. If it is S179167 it probably shipped in 1958, and would be called by collectors a pre-Model 29 .44 Magnum. No one has yet mentioned that the grips are Very desirable, even though yours show a little damage. Maybe worth $400-$500 all by themselves. But it's possible you have a contraband weapon. I'd defer making any decisions about refinishing it for the present.

My theory is that someone shortened the grip frame and hand-stamped the assembly number on the frame. Unfortunately, the assembly number is not the SN in the eyes of the law.

 

[bamabiker]

We all know the serial number should be on the butt of the grip but if it is stamped on the frame in front of the cylinder is that not OK? That is part of the frame and cannot be removed.
Just wondering.

After thinking about it I guess the removal of the butt number could still be seen as illegal because it should be there.

 

[Doc44]

The serial number, S179167, stamped in yoke cut should also be stamped on the bottom of the grip frame. The five digit numbers you referred to are assembly numbers put there to keep selected parts together during manufacture. Other than that, they have no meaning. Many 44 Magnums with a serial number is the S179000 range shipped throughout 1958. Yours probably shipped in the first several months of that year. The revolver has seen a lot of use, but appears to be all original. If it functions well, you could just use it as a shooter and not do anything further. That is what I would recommend. If you have it refinished, it will look a lot nicer, but will no longer be original.

Bill

 

[reddog81]

I'd pass on getting it refinished. It will look nicer but it won't shoot any better. I'm assuming the wear on the gun is from your Dad carrying it... If so I'd definitely leave it as is.

If you get it refinished you'll go from a shooter grade gun with 75% of the original finish to a shooter grade gun with 0% of the original finish. Even the best refinish will be noticeable to those who know what to look for and the average refinish will easily be spotted by the softened stampings, more discernible sideplate crack, and the fact that any nicks or dings in the metal will still be noticeable.

 

[epj]

If it were mine, I'd be bothered with the obvious finish wear. BUT, I'd probably see if I could touch up some of the worst areas with some cold blue and go shoot it. A refinish of any less that stellar quality would significantly detract from the guns value. If you keep it for life, then value is a mute point.

 

[jsfricks]

Someone mentioned the Coke grips, but it seems you are new to S&W revolvers and might not know what they meant. Be careful with the wood grips, they're worth several hundred dollars all by themselves. The bluing S&W uses today is no where like what they used in the day your gun was built. In fact, you have to be careful cleaning them with the original Hoppes due to the inferior blue they use now. If it was mine passed down from my dad, I would leave it as is and enjoy shooting it and not have to worry if it got scratched or if it is developing a turn line, etc.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Nice gun!
Also vote for clean it up and keep it just like it is.
This gun is not a viable candidate for a reblue, IMO.
And those are nice Coke Grips!
They are valuable, desirable and desire extra careful treatment.

 

[A10]

Listen to Doc44. He is the foremost authority on these.....

 

[Laketime]

I vote if you must refinish it ,then a factory Nickel less the front site blade.

 

[Dartshark]

I did find the serial number stamped on the butt just as you guys said it would be.
I've decide to just keep the gun as is since I will be carrying it on hunting trips in the same holster my dad made for it and carried it in on all his hunting trips.

Thank you all for the advice and help.