Ever since I got my first 44 magnum (pre 29) which was a 6.5 gun, I wanted a shorty aka 4in. This proved more difficult to find than I had first thought. I wanted one that was original, which would also letter. I preferred to find a 5 screw, but I knew regardless, it has to be before a 29-2 for my first one. No real reason, except the earlier the better, as most times it goes in this hobby.
Just like with many other S&Ws we all search for, patience is a virtue. I would semi frequently find them online (5 screw, 4 screw, 29 no dash) but they were either low condition, refinished, had cut barrels, too much money, no letter, altered, etc. I didn't need the letter to buy one per se, but I of course didn't want to buy an early 4in 44 magnum which didn't letter either.
A few months ago, my patience paid off. I landed this nice 4 screw pre 29 which shipped in 1958. SN - S180093. The seller was in CA, we agreed to a price and the gun came to my S&W orphanage
At some point in its life, it had trigger work done and let me tell you, its one of the best revolver triggers I have ever felt - period! The gun is in respectable condition, as are the grips. No rework or date stamps.
It really felt great to get this one. "Finally" I kept saying to myself. On top of the age, attrition rate, etc. far fewer early 44 magnums were made with 4in barrels. 4in production began about mid way through 1956. As time went on, more and more 4in guns were made but I would still estimate that only 1/3 of the early 44 magnum production was for 4in guns.
Here she is
I managed to get the letter request out right before Roy went on his trip in April (I think it was). A few weeks ago I got the letter, and thankfully the gun lettered correctly. Also interesting was that the previous owner was in CA and the gun originally shipped there. The owner before me was not the first owner.
If any of you have a case for a 4in 44 magnum you would sell, I would be interested. This gun goes in the smaller black/blue presentation case.
Its nice when things work out
Just like with many other S&Ws we all search for, patience is a virtue. I would semi frequently find them online (5 screw, 4 screw, 29 no dash) but they were either low condition, refinished, had cut barrels, too much money, no letter, altered, etc. I didn't need the letter to buy one per se, but I of course didn't want to buy an early 4in 44 magnum which didn't letter either.
A few months ago, my patience paid off. I landed this nice 4 screw pre 29 which shipped in 1958. SN - S180093. The seller was in CA, we agreed to a price and the gun came to my S&W orphanage
At some point in its life, it had trigger work done and let me tell you, its one of the best revolver triggers I have ever felt - period! The gun is in respectable condition, as are the grips. No rework or date stamps.
It really felt great to get this one. "Finally" I kept saying to myself. On top of the age, attrition rate, etc. far fewer early 44 magnums were made with 4in barrels. 4in production began about mid way through 1956. As time went on, more and more 4in guns were made but I would still estimate that only 1/3 of the early 44 magnum production was for 4in guns.
Here she is
I managed to get the letter request out right before Roy went on his trip in April (I think it was). A few weeks ago I got the letter, and thankfully the gun lettered correctly. Also interesting was that the previous owner was in CA and the gun originally shipped there. The owner before me was not the first owner.
If any of you have a case for a 4in 44 magnum you would sell, I would be interested. This gun goes in the smaller black/blue presentation case.
Its nice when things work out
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