Smith & Wesson S&W Pre-Model 29 .44 Magnum 4″ DA/SA Revolver 1956-1957 C&R

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SOLD FOR: $2,952.00

LSB#: LSB251203TH018

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Pre-Model 29, Four Screw

Serial Number: S167894A

Year of Manufacture: 1956-1957 / 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 right of the barrel is marked “44 MAGNUM”. The butt of the grip frame, front face of the ejector (no letter prefix), and the lug housing are marked with the serial number “S167894A”. The side plate is marked with the S&W monogram. The right of the frame is marked with the four-line marcas registradas. The crane and crane cut have assembly numbers. The sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.

Barrel Length: 4″, 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 Magna stocks with S&W medallions.There are a few scattered little nicks and compression marks. 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 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish.There are some scattered light handling marks and smudges on the frame. The cylinder has a light turn line and carbon rings on the face. 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 perceptible 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: The Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 29, often referred to simply as “The .44 Magnum,” marks the beginning of the magnum revolver era. Introduced in 1955 and produced before the formal model numbering system was adopted in 1957, these early four-screw N-frame revolvers represent the first generation of factory .44 Magnum production. Developed in cooperation with Remington and influenced by prominent big-bore advocates of the era, the .44 Magnum quickly established a new benchmark for revolver performance and remains one of the most historically significant handgun introductions of the 20th century.

This 1956–1957 example features the desirable 4 inch pinned barrel configuration, offering a compact profile on the large N-frame platform. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, earning a 9.5 out of 10 rating. Approximately 98 percent of the original blued finish remains, with only light handling marks visible on close inspection. The cylinder shows a light turn line and carbon rings on the face, consistent with limited use. Markings are crisp and well defined, and the four-screw frame configuration further confirms its early production status.

The revolver retains its checkered Magna stocks with S&W medallions, showing only minor handling wear and sharp checkering throughout. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, with a crisp single-action break, smooth double-action pull, and tight cylinder lockup exhibiting minimal perceptible play. As an early four-screw Pre-Model 29 with strong original finish and excellent mechanical condition, this revolver stands as a highly collectible example from the formative years of .44 Magnum production. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!