Smith & Wesson Model 29 .44 Magnum 4″ DA / SA Revolver MFD 1959-60 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,900.00
LSB#: LSB260609AH002
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 29
Serial Number: S196392
Year of Manufacture: 1959-1960 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right side of the barrel is marked “44 MAGNUM”. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas and S&W monogram. The crane cut is marked with the serial number and “MOD-29”. The bottom of the butt, the extractor star, and the rear face of the cylinder are marked with the serial number. There is a “WL” scratched under the frame forward of the trigger guard.
Barrel Length: 4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert fixed to a serrated rise in the serrated rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched and white outlined leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation. The topstrap and rib have a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered target stocks with smooth diamonds around the escutcheons and silver S&W medallions. There are handling scratches and compression marks. The checkering remains sharp, with minor peak loss. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks are in a Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is fouling present in the grooves. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is finish loss at the muzzle, leading edges of the frame and cylinder, as well as the edges of the barrel rib. There are scattered handling scratches. There are spots of oxidation freckling along the barrel, frame, and cylinder. The action shows operational wear. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The case-color on the target hammer and target trigger are still vibrant. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates a Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with minor play at each chamber. 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: None
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the landmark American revolvers of the postwar era, developed around the powerful .44 Remington Magnum cartridge created through the efforts of Elmer Keith, Remington, and Smith & Wesson. The first production .44 Magnum revolvers were completed in late 1955 and publicly introduced in January 1956, initially known simply as the “.44 Magnum.” In 1957, Smith & Wesson adopted numerical model designations and the revolver became the Model 29, with the model marking appearing beginning around serial number S179000. The 4″ barrel was one of the original cataloged configurations, alongside the 6 1/2″, with the 8 3/8″ version added in 1958. Early Model 29s combined Smith & Wesson’s large N-frame, high-polish blue finish, adjustable target sights, and Goncalo Alves target stocks in what was then one of the most powerful production handguns in the world. Serial number S196392 dates to approximately late 1959 to early 1960, placing this revolver firmly within the desirable early “no-dash” Model 29 period, years before the model gained enormous popular recognition through “Dirty Harry.”
This early 4″ Model 29 retains approximately 95% of its original blue finish, with primarily muzzle and edge wear, scattered handling scratches, oxidation freckling, operational wear, and a cylinder turn line. The checkered target stocks remain in Fine condition with sharp checkering and only minor handling wear, while the bright 9/10 bore with sharp rifling and no erosion is another strong attribute. Matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, and extractor components are particularly desirable on an early Smith & Wesson, and the “MOD-29″ marking is consistent with its early no-dash configuration. Mechanically, the revolver remains strong, with proper action function and tight lockup showing only minor play. The short 4” barrel, early S-prefix production, high degree of original finish, and strong mechanical condition combine to make this a particularly attractive example of one of Smith & Wesson’s most collectible postwar revolvers. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY