The First 44 Magnum

[Doc44]

S121836, built in January 1955 after the design of the new revolver was finalized. The gun was built in S&W's tool room and used as a sample and show revolver. It featured the small S&W logo on the left side of the frame as the gun was to be cased and the company wanted the logo to be seen (the logo's location was changed to the side plate for regular production that began later in 1955). The stocks are unusual in that they feature the larger checked area, but do not have the relieved area on the left panel as was seen on the first production 44 Magnums. They are made of Goncalo alves.

I have posted this 44 Magnum before, but wanted to show it again for our many new members.

Those of you who have received a factory letter on a 44 Magnum will recognize the serial number and its designation as the first 44 Magnum.

Bill

 

[Art Doc]

And the fact that you own says a lot about your stature as a serious collector.

What would you expect this gun to sell for at auction? Just curious because other than Elmer's gun this is likely the most valuable 44 Magnum.

 

[smithcollector]

Golly thats nice. Must go clean up drool now.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Bill,

Is that the one that you've posted before that had the bore filled in solid?

Tim

 

[Iggy]

Wow! Not much more that one can say.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[fyimo]

Amazing gun that belongs to a great guy with an amazing collection. Thanks for sharing it again Bill

 

[bigtime460]

Thanks for sharing. Its awesome!

 

[4-Screw]

Bill...what is your history with the gun? How long have you owned it? And, if you do not mind me asking, how was it acquired/found?

Thank you again for sharing this one...I have not seen it awhile...I am glad you brought the pictures back up.

 

[lowhog]

Doc, Im jealous.I look at that and my jaw-bone drops.

 

[Doc44]

I have owned this revolver for about fifteen years. I acquired it from Gary Garbrecht, a good friend and collector of 44 Magnums and Registered Magnums, who sold most of the 44s in the 90s to start collecting New Model Number 3s, etc.

G4F...Yes, this revolver is plugged with a lead plug to prevent it from being fired and it does not have a main spring. This was done because the revolver was never properly heat treated and S&W did not want it fired, and it was a show revolver that S&W used to show individuals what the new gun would look and feel like. All of this is documented in the factory letter.

Bill

 

[4-Screw]

So if you sold this, it truly would be considered "unfired"...no question about that

 

[smitholdtimer]

Thanks "DOC 44" & Gun 4 fun

I now see what can be learned by just reading, never knew there was any such thing as a non firing example except for the cut-away salesman samples and even they could have been perfectly functional examples with areas milled from the side plate to afford the opportunity to watch the internal function.

 

[H P Bushrod]

Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing pics of this historic gun with us.

 

[moosedog]

Very nice historic revolver Doc, thanks for sharing that one.

 

[GF]

What was the serial number of the first firing example of the 44 magnum?

GF

 

[Doc44]

GF...S130927, first production 44 Magnum, completed on December 15, 1955 and sold to Rex Firearms on February 21, 1956. The experimental 44 Magnum sent to Remington to do the cartridge development in 1954 had serial number S121839. It is described as a 1950 Target 44 with a 4-inch barrel and blue finish, chambered in 44 Magnum. This revolver is open on the records of S&W (which would be expected if the frame was taken by the tool room and used to make a 44 Magnum). This important revolver was stolen from a collection in 1972 and never recovered.

Bill

 

[SWBigBang]

I think i see a scratch.

 

[mark454]

GF...S130927, first production 44 Magnum, completed on December 15, 1955 and sold to Rex Firearms on February 21, 1956. The experimental 44 Magnum sent to Remington to do the cartridge development in 1954 had serial number S121839. It is described as a 1950 Target 44 with a 4-inch barrel and blue finish, chambered in 44 Magnum. This revolver is open on the records of S&W (which would be expected if the frame was taken by the tool room and used to make a 44 Magnum). This important revolver was stolen from a collection in 1972 and never recovered.

Bill

Thanks for posting this information. Do you know the location of S130927?
Mark

 

[Doc44]

The location of S130927 is unknown, but it is possible it was engraved in early 1956 by Alvin White and used in Rex Firearms' ads in the American Rifleman and other magazines as early as May 1956.

Bill

 

[Lefkiguy]

Great history, great photography, thanks for sharing. Ted