Registered magnum

[Ljoconnor]

I picked up a reg. Magnum and was wondering if there was any information available about its history.The grips are numbered to it. I had them off and are pretty tight so I didn't take them off again when I was taking pictures. Serial number is 50160 and the registered number is 1868. I was told that it was shipped to Denver to a retailer and no history after that. I don't have any information about it in writing. The barrel is 6 1/2 inches and its action is smooth as glass. I will try posting pictures but this is my first attempt at this. I have been here quite a while but not computer savvy. Thanks in advance for your help. Larry
The only wear that is out of the normal is the left side of the barrel.

 

[mrcvs]

That's a nice Registered Magnum, other than the nasty scrape on the barrel.

To learn more, I would get a factory letter.

Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

swhistoricalfoundation.com

 

[Ljoconnor]

Thank you for your reply! I was just wondering if there was a place that could tell me more about it before I sent for a letter. Because the guy I got it from said all s&w could tell him that it was shipped to a distributor and I am not sure that would be beneficial in the long term. Thanks again! This is a very interesting forum. Larry

 

[Gun Relics]

This RM is an important and historic gun. The letter cost, at $100, is just a fraction of it's value. Even if it just tells you the configuration and shipping date, the letter is an important start to documenting your revolver. There may be more information available but only the S&W HF can tell you that.

 

[DARE]

Very nice, congratulations. You should get a letter and then request any other documents that are available. On the Registered Magnums there are usually other documents to be had. There is an extra fee for this. You will be quoted a price for what they find. No charge if nothing is found.
For my gun there were five other documents.
1. Order for two guns.
2. The S&W order form
3. A letter from S&W discussing a change in the order.
4. The S&W invoice
5. A repair letter when the gun was sent back to S&W about a year later.

The repair letter mentioned that the gun was the property of an FBI Agent.
That would have been unknown without requesting the other documents.

 

[Ljoconnor]

I just ordered a letter! You guys are a very convincing crew! Very informative also! Thanks again for your time! Larry

 

[22hipower]

That's a nice RM, you were fortunate to find it. We love to hear the stories as to where they're found and how you were able to beat out all the other folks who wanted it. Thanks for sharing the pictures too. Getting the letter, especially for an RM, is always a good idea. Even if it only confirms the configuration and ship to location/date as that is valuable information. If you sell the gun you'll usually get back more than the cost of the letter by having one.