Smith & Wesson S&W Pre-Model 29 .44 Magnum DA/SA 6.5″ Revolver C&R w/letter

More Sold Revolvers

SOLD FOR: $1,875.00

LSB#: LSB251231AS003

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Pre-Model 29, Four Screw

Serial Number: S171863

Year of Manufacture: 1957 / C&R

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, Crane cut, front face of the ejector 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 grips are not numbered.

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. The rib is serrated to cut down on glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth wood target stocks with a football cutout and S&W medallions. The grips are not numbered. There are a few scattered little nicks and spots of finish thinning. There is some scattered light handling wear. The grip rates in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case hardened hammer & trigger.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is minor fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few minor handling marks and smudges on the frame and barrel. There are some scattered light handling. The cylinder has a light turn line. There are scratches on the rear of the frame from the cylinder operation. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good 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. 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: S&W Factory letter & original invoice. The factory letter gives the history of the .44 Magnum pre-model 29 and states that this gun was shipped on May 24, 1957 and delivered to the Transportation Officer, Seattle Army Terminal. It was shipped in the current configuration with a 6.5″ barrel but the original stocks were not listed. This gun was initially shipped in a blue presentation case with tools (not included). The included invoice shows that there were a total of .44 Magnums shipped along with 48 other guns to the Army Transportation officer.

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.

The .44 Remington Magnum cartridge quickly gained a reputation for exceptional power and performance, becoming a favorite among hunters and handgun enthusiasts who appreciated its ability to deliver tremendous energy from a revolver platform. Early revolvers like this example feature the classic pinned barrel construction, wide case colored hammer and trigger, and the robust N-frame design that made the revolver both durable and controllable despite the cartridge’s power. The 6.5 inch barrel configuration became one of the most recognized variations, offering a balance of sight radius and handling that appealed to shooters of the era.

This particular revolver, serial number S171863, is an early Pre-Model 29 produced in the late 1950s and accompanied by a Smith & Wesson factory letter documenting shipment on May 24, 1957 to the Transportation Officer at the Seattle Army Terminal. The revolver retains the majority of its original blue finish with only light handling wear, along with its classic pinned barrel, adjustable micrometer rear sight, and smooth target stocks with football cutouts and medallions. With its documented early shipment and desirable configuration, this revolver represents an excellent example of the iconic early Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum that helped define the big bore revolver era of the twentieth century. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!