Smith & Wesson S&W Pre-Model 29 44 Magnum 6.5″ DA/SA Revolver 1957-1958 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,225.00
LSB#: LSB250512SG133
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Pre-Model 29, Four Screw
Serial Number: S178160
Year of Manufacture: 1957-1958
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Action Type: Double and Single Action Six Shot Swing Out Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The butt of the grip frame, front face of the ejector (no letter prefix), rear of the cylinder, and yoke cut are marked with the serial number. The side plate is marked with the S&W monogram. The right of the frame is marked with the four-line marcas registradas. The right of the barrel is marked “44 MAGNUM”. The yoke and yoke cut have assembly numbers. The sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 6.5”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a red insert, it is set on a serrated ramped base integral to the serrated rib. The rear sight is an S&W micrometer click white outline square notch adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood target stocks with a football cut and S&W medallions.There are a few scattered little nicks and spots of finish loss. There is some scattered light handling wear. The checkering is sharp. The grip rates in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few minor marks, the most notable are under the right grip panel. There are some scattered light handling. The cylinder has a light turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double-action smooth. The cylinder lockup has very little side-to-side play and no front-to-rear play on all six chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Developed in a collaboration between Smith & Wesson and Remington with the input of big-bore handgun shooters including Elmer Keith, The .44 Magnum revolver and cartridge took the revolver world by storm in the 1950s, later to be known worldwide, even outside the firearms community, as “the most powerful handgun in the world” due to its portrayal in the Dirty Harry movies. This is Smith & Wesson’s famous “The .44 Magnum” built on a 4-screw square butt N-Frame paired with a 6.5? barrel. This revolver has a nice blued finish, with a wide serrated case-colored trigger and wide checkered hammer. The Smith & Wesson model number scheme was introduced in 1957, the Model 29 was not marked as such until 1958 (S&W Standard Catalog 4th Ed. pg 191). No collection is complete without a Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum so you might as well make it this one. Please see our pictures and good luck! -L.S.
