Need help on a Pre-29

[Cjpetracca]

I also have a 29-1 which has been documented to have its barrel factory cut to 5". Mine was reblued and looks factory new. The ramp is pinned in the same way yours is done. While I think yours exhibits excellent workmanship with a crown that appears factory, it does not appear to me to be factory new. So I would guess that it was done by a very talented gunsmith. BTW I would be proud to own yours and shoot it often! I'll be interested to hear what the historical letter says about it.

 

[gunkook]

Wetdog mentioned the ejector shroud should have a serial number located inside. This barrel does not have one so what would that indicate? Would it be the original barrel or a replacement?

 

[Cjpetracca]

That is a question better put to Doc44. I have a 4" pre29 whose barrel is not numbered, but it letters correctly. Also the 29-1 mentioned above does not have any factory rework marks although the barrel was cut by the factory.

 

[Doc44]

If your 44 Magnum was made after May 1957 when the Soft Fitting Department was eliminated, it is common to not have a serial number in the barrel or on the rear surface of the cylinder.

Also, it appears as though the two pins securing the ramp base to the barrel were reused after the barrel was shortened. I believe if S&W had done the work the company would have used new pins that would be proud and not polished flush to be barrel rib.

Bill

 

[gunkook]

Thanks again for the input all. I'll wait to see what the letter tells me.

 

[Richochet]

Looks like genuine Walter F. Roper grips to me.

 

[Texas Star]

I bet that's a fine carrying, plenty accurate gun. Get it a really good holster (lined) and belt.

I don't grasp why a few people wanted 4.5 inch barrels over five inch, but they do make for unusual guns.

Maybe the half inch less let a man sit more comfortably in a car with a shorter barrel. ??

 

[Kinman]

Neat piece, good for you.

 

[Muley Gil]

I bet that's a fine carrying, plenty accurate gun. Get it a really good holster (lined) and belt.

I don't grasp why a few people wanted 4.5 inch barrels over five inch, but they do make for unusual guns.

Maybe the half inch less let a man sit more comfortably in a car with a shorter barrel. ??

The Colt SAA used 4 3/4" as a standard length barrel. The New Service had 4 1/2" as a standard length.