[Doc44]

Serial number S228941, shipped on July 25, 1963 to Zork Hardware in El Paso, TX. It is the only 44 Magnum known with a factory original barrel length of 4 1/2-inches. The person who ordered it probably was inspired by the fact Elmer Keith had an early 44 Magnum cut to 4 1/2 inches. The factory cut a 6 1/2-inch barrel to the desired length and charged an extra $10 for the service. S&W also created a "one of a kind" 44 Magnum. The next rarest barrel length is 7 1/2-inches (one known to collectors, three supposedly made), followed by the 5 1/2-inch length (approximately thirteen made). This 29-2 also letters with smooth stocks.

Bill

 

[DHENRY]

Bill,
Since I'd not seen this variation, I'm really 'taken' with the beautiful proportions of the gun.
Shame that barrel-length wasn't offered as a standard catalog item!
Don

 

[carl418]

Bill, that sure is a beauty!
Does the extra half-inch feel much different than a regular 4"?

 

[Doc44]

Carl...the 44 feels more like a 5-inch.

Bill

 

[1aspenhill]

Bill,
Beautiful gun as all yours are! I love it! It would make a good carry gun! Thanks for posting!
Bill

 

[Nframe]

Bill, a nice one once again!

I'm going to try and stretch the 4" 29 I have.

 

[fat tom]

I ran out of words long ago to describe the wonderful guns you so generously share with us. I often wonder: "Where in the h ell does the man find all of those things?" It would be almost as interesting as your photos if you would occasionally share the story of how you came to acquire some of these marvelous guns. Your collection is nothing short of remarkable and you are to be commended for preserving so many treasures which in other hands might not have remained in their present condition. Thanks!
f.t.

 

[Ralph G]

Unreal Bill !!
I too would like to hear how you find these prizes !!

ft must be thrilled with these guns !! Thats the most words I`ve ever seen him type !! :lol:

He`s a man of few words .

 

[xtimberman]

Bill,
....I'm really 'taken' with the beautiful proportions of the gun.
Shame that barrel-length wasn't offered as a standard catalog item!
Don

Ditto on that!

xtm

 

[Doc44]

Gentlemen...My collection has benefited greatly from my membership in the S&WCA and the many friends and contacts I have made in that organization; and my association with my good friend, Ray Brazille, the man who has found some to the best S&W's on this planet (not just for me, but for many collectors of S&Ws). Attending S&WCA annual meetings is one of the best ways to obtain rare and unusual S&Ws. If you cannot attend that meeting, Wanenmacher's Tulsa Arms show in April and November is another great place to find great, collectible S&Ws and Rugers. I have been attending both Tulsa shows and the S&WCA annual meeting for many years. Gary Garbrecht, a good friend of mine until his death in 2005, was instrumental in helping me take my collection of 44 Magnums to the "next level".

Bill

 

[dant]

Doc, yes once again, an awesome gun, great pictures.....and you 'advice' is "on the money" , it is great to know , meet and share with all of these guys we meet over the years, thanks for remembering Gary, he was a really neat guy, my neighbor, Tom Kipps family used to supply them with "racing engine parts for his " boats".......nice to see and hear his name mentioned as well as remembered....I can add, even some of the ;
local shows like Ohio Gun collectors, many of these guys come there, from time to time and a LOT can be seen and learned,, as well as bought & sold........don't have to travel across the country, ( but its NICE to get away once in a while........) thanks again, Doc