Picked up an early .44 magnum

[cubguy]

I picked up an early .44 magnum shipped June 12, 1956 ser# S168xxx from a forum member. According to the letter dated 2012 Mr. Jinks states he has only lettered 112 older. So I was wondering how many of the ones older than mine are owned by forum members?

 

[opoefc]

No way to tell. Even if we had a correct number today, it could change tomorrow as guns are sold or traded and Forum members come and go. Plus there are members who own .44 Mags older than yours, such as yours truly, and I don't letter my .44 Mags as they are shooters I've modified to my likes. Ed.

 

[cubguy]

OK, there's one who else?

 

[bulldog06]

I have two shooters, no letters so no ship dates. 160357 is a 5 screw 6 1/2, 167525A is a 4 screw 4". From Doc44's expert commentary, the 4" may be an early one. Then again with the 'A' suffix, I suppose any ship date is possible.

Congrats on yours. A few days away from being a birthday gun for me.

 

[cubguy]

Thanks bulldog!
I was also born in 56, so mine is a birth year gun for me too

 

[Doc44]

S&W had manufactured five hundred 44 Magnums by June 1, 1956 and one thousand by June 21. Your gun is approximately one of the first seven hundred made.

Bill

 

[cubguy]

Thanks Doc!

That is the kind of info I was hoping to learn!

I appreciate your knowledge and input on this.

Paul

 

[john145]

My 4-screw 1709xx was shipped may 57. Wish I could afford one or two more,i want a 5 screw.

 

[nuguy]

I have a 5 screw shooter. I thought it might be an early one, S/N 156XXX, so I sent for a letter, until the letter arrives your guess is as good as mine.

 

[Doc44]

Many of the 44 Magnums in the S156000 range were shipped in late 1956 through the first few months of 1957.

Bill