Jim Hoag Custom Silhouette Pair of Smith & Wesson S&W Model 29-2 & Pre-27, Matte 9 3/4″ Incredible Double Action Revolver Set

SOLD FOR: $4,505.00
LSB#: 160518JH01 & 160518JH02

Make: Smith & Wesson, customized by Jim Hoag

Model: 29-2 (JH01), Pre-Model 27 (JH02), N-Frame Square Butt Revolvers

Serial Number: S299648 (JH01), S158961 (JH02)

Year of Manufacture: 1967 (JH01), 1956-1957 (JH02)

Caliber: .44 Magnum (JH01), .357 Magnum (JH02)

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Hand Ejected Revolvers.

Markings:
(JH01): The underside flat of the barrel is marked “J. HOAG”, the left side of the frame is marked “JIM HOAG / B-1967”, the right side of the frame is marked with S&W’s four line Marcas Registradas, the right side plate has the S&W monogram logo. The left side of the grip frame is marked “o / | / 82939”, the butt is marked with the serial number, the right is marked “2”. The yoke is marked “82939 / K / A”, the cut is marked with the serial and model number. The rear of the cylinder, under the ejector star, is marked “299648”, as is the underside of the ejector rod. The grip panels have silver-colored S&W monogram logo medallions, the insides have “44 MAG / 6”, written in pencil. This revolver’s original barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” on the left, “44 MAGNUM” on the right.
(JH02): The right side of the frame is marked with S&W’s four line Marcas Registradas, the right side plate has the S&W monogram logo. The left side of the grip frame is marked “Y / E”, the butt is marked with the serial number, the right is marked “D / C / 3”. The yoke is marked “69463”, the cut is marked “69463 / Y / Z”, the rear face of the yoke is marked “158961”, as is the underside of the ejector rod; the rear face of the cylinder, under the star, is marked “B”. The grip panels have silver-colored S&W monogram logo medallions, the insides have “44 SPEC”, written in pencil. This revolver’s original barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” on the left, “S.&W. .357 MAGNUM” on the right and “S 158961 B” in the ejector rod cut.

Barrel Length: Both revolvers feature pinned barrels; (JH01): 10”, recessed, with 1.09” muzzle diameter; the original barrel length was 6 ½” with shrouded ejector rod and serrated, matte finished wide rib. (JH02): 9 ¾”, recessed, with 1.03” muzzle diameter; the original barrel was 5”, with a shrouded ejector rod and finely checkered solid rib.

Sights / Optics: The front sight on both pistols is a target ‘globe’-style silhouette target tube, which accept different inserts (9 extra inserts are provided), both pistols currently have wide target-posts installed. The rear sight on both pistols is a flat top, square notched leaf, in a micrometer-click adjustable base.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips on both pistols are smooth walnut presentations stocks with silver-colored S&W logo medallions; the medallions have some discoloration from age. Both sets of stocks have scattered light handling marks with a few infrequent instances of compression; JH01’s left panel has some deeper marks in the thumb groove. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Both pistols are Parkerized, with case colored wide serrated target triggers and wide checkered target hammers.

Finish Originality: Refinished after customization; the pistols were originally blue, evident by the original finish on the included original barrels.

Bore Condition: The bores of the installed barrels are bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The original barrel for JH01 is bright with sharp rifling and a few spots of persistent fowling. The original barrel for JH02 is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion.

Overall Condition:
(JH01): This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The balance is shown as scattered handling marks on the barrel and frame; the flanks of the frame, at the barrel, show uneven thinning. The front sight has edge wear and some spots of oxidation at the base, extending to the barrel. The case colored hammer and trigger have nice hue and tone variation. The cylinder has a defined but shallow drag line and some thinning at the leading edges. The back strap of the grip frame has a dusting of oxidation. The screw heads are sharp but for the grip frame screw slot, which has moderate tooling. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition as refinished after customization.
(JH02): This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. The barrel has some long, faint scuff marks and a few light dings. The fine checkering on top of the frame and rear sight have a light dusting of patina, the cylinder has a defined but shallow drag line. The leading edges of the frame and cylinder have light scuff wear, the flanks of the frame have a few shallow marks, the back strap and rear of the hammer have spots of light oxidation. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition as refinished after customization.

Mechanics:
(JH01): The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces only very light side to side play in full lockup with no measurable back play. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is very light and crisp
(JH02): The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces mild play in full lockup with a small amount (our best measurement is about 1/32”. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is light and crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included are both of the pistol’s original factory blued barrels. JH01’s barrel retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance is shown as some light spots of surface etching, scuff wear and light handling marks; the bore is bright with sharp rifling and some persistent fowling but no erosion, rating in about Fine Plus condition. JH02’s barrel retains about 85% of its finish. The balance is shown as some spots of light oxidation on the flanks of the front sight base; there is wear at the muzzle and flanks, consistent with holster use. The finely checkered rib shows spots of light oxidation; the bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion; the barrel is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition. Also included is a wooden display case (appearing to be made of oak) with brass corner tabs. The lid has a few unrepaired cracks, the exterior surfaces display scuff and compression marks (mostly on the underside). The inside of the case is green felt lined with separators for the two pistols, barrels and thin slots for other accessories as photographed; the interior has some minor compression marks; the case is in Very Good Plus to Fine condition. 11 front sight inserts are provided as photographed, showing very light scuffs, all in about Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: This set was brought to us personally on consignment from Jim Hoag, the legendary Southern California based gunsmith who became popular with his custom work on 1911’s but was quickly recognized for his ability to slick up just about any platform. This is a set of Smith & Wesson N-Frame square butt revolvers configured for silhouette shooting; both are affixed with heavy bull barrels and globe front sights that take interchangeable inserts; the custom barrels have bright bores with sharp rifling and no erosion. The pistols were Parkerized, originally having been blued, we believe this was done to match the barrels and not for any erosion issues. The actions on both revolvers are very smooth with crisp trigger breaks. Included is a wood display case with green felt inner lining, as well as the original barrels (with their original blued finishes) and 11 extra front sight inserts. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a personal Hogue set that has ‘COMPETITION READY’ written all over it! Please see our pictures and good luck.