pre-29 questions

[jeff66]

Recently I came across a pre-29 5 screw with a 4" barrel #159907. It came in a dark blue box with tools. The revolver was used very little as there is no wear whatsoever except the faintest drag line. It letters to Feb ,6 1957. Were the target hammers,triggers,etc. the standard fare? Also, what is the order of scarcity in the barrel lengths? Thank you.

 

[410bore]

Target Hammer and Trigger were standard equipment.

5" barrel is scarce followed by 4". There were other barrel lengths custom ordered but these are the rarest of the catalog offered barrel lengths

 

[jeff66]

Are there any records indicating the numbers of each length?

 

[410bore]

I dont have my Standard Catalog infront of me at the moment. I want to say there were around 25 or 30 4" guns shipped in 1956 and significantly more in 1957/58 but still less than 6.5". As for the 5", I'm thinking there were a couple hundred made in total (Pre-29 to 29-2)

 

[Doc44]

When introduced in 1956, the 44 Magnum was listed as being available with a 4 or 6 1/2-inch barrel. However, the 4-inch guns were not generally available until very late in 1956 or early in 1957. The 4-inch guns were shipped from about November 1956 until May 1957 when the 4-screw version largely replaced the 5-screw guns. We don't know how many 4-inch guns were made, but of the six thousand plus 5-screw 44 Magnums shipped, the 4-inch is seen less often by far. I wouldn't call the 4-inch guns rare or even scarce, but they are highly collectible when in 98 percent or better condition.

The 8 3/8-inch guns were first shipped in late 1958 and the special order of 5-inch guns (except for 4-5 early ones) began to be shipped in March 1958 and continued to be shipped off and on until 1963 (a few later than that) with approximatley 400 being made.

Sounds like you have a great example of an early 4-inch 44 Magnum with its original presentation case.

Bill

 

[jeff66]

The finish is very mirror like, and the grips are about perfect. Any idea who/what Evaluaters Ltd.is/are? The gun was shipped there.

 

[410bore]

There have been many early 44's that letter to Evaluator's LTD. Very Cool!

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-anyone-know-evaluators-limited-quantico.html

 

[weatherby]

ok time for a picture of it

 

[Doc44]

Evaluators Ltd. was one of S&W's largest distributors located in Quantico, VA. It was owned and operated by the Van Ordens (sp?). He was a retired Marine Corps General officer if I remember correctly. Lots of early 44 Magnums were shipped to Evaluators as well as early versions of other models introduced in the 1950s.

Bill

 

[jeff66]

Thanks for your help guys! As for pics, I'll post them soon!

 

[weatherby]

Thanks for your help guys! As for pics, I'll post them soon!

cool looking forward to seeing it get a good one of the stocks too if you can.I like seeing them as much as the gun sometimes

 

[fat tom]

Well,let us know how much so we can all hit ourselves in the head.
f.t.

 

[jeff66]

I purchased the Smith ($1400) along with four Colts two High standards and a Browning T2 deluxe, from the same gentleman, All are in great condition. Had to sell a tractor, two hounds and 12 chickens to boot!

 

[Sprefix]

$1400 Pre 29 sounds like aheckuva deal to me! We're not haters here............,what's up with the others? Details....? At least the dogs aren't needed to guard the tractor while you are not having eggs for breakfast.............

 

[jeff66]

One for now, more later.

 

[boykinlp]

You got a fantastic deal. Very nice gun and package.

 

[410bore]

One for now, more later.

Wow, you paid way less than 1/2 price....

 

[bigi]

Are those Coke grips?

 

[410bore]

Are those Coke grips?

YES..........................

 

[jeff66]

When did S&W discontinue the "coke" grips? Also when did .44 mag ammo become available?