[Doc44]

The 44 Magnum and its model variations with a 5-inch barrel are highly sought after by collectors. I found this one many years ago with its original presentation case, accessories, and literature. It was shipped in March 1963 and is a fairly early 29-2. It has an L stamped on the rear surface of the cylinder indicating the revolver has an extractor rod with a left-hand thread. It is estimated that about 450 44 Magnums were made with a 5-inch barrel and shipped from 1956 to 1973 (most from 1958 to 1963).

Bill

 

[c pierce]

Bill your collection never ceases to amaze me.

 

[carl418_resigned]

Doc,
Very nice! Thanks for sharing..

 

[Ralph G]

Unreal Bill !!

Thats the way they shipped that ??

I have a couple of 5 inch cases , that surprizes me they would do that .

Just wondering .

 

[onenut58]

Beautiful gun.Are those grips original?I wonder why they didnt put a liner in that was for a five inch gun.I have a couple questions. Do you have any hiers? How old are you? Last but not least you wanna adopt a 51 year old. I would be a good son and polish up all your guns regular like for you.hehehe

 

[Doc44]

Ralph....to my knowledge, all 29s with a 5-inch barrel were shipped in a case for a 6 1/2-inch gun. The only case made for an N-frame with a 5-inch barrel was made for the Model 27-2 when the case was added as an accessory to this model in September 1975. I have one of these cases and a Model 29 with a 5-inch barrel is a very tight fit.

I saw a dark blue presentation case from 1958 that was fitted for a 5-inch gun, but it turned out to have a "homemade" liner made out of plywood. It looked very good, but was not original. I believe S&W did not make cases with liners for 5-inch guns because they made fewer than 500 over an extended period of time. It was easier and cheaper to use a standard case and the 6 1/2-inch was chosen because the 4-inch was too short. I have three 5-inch Model 29s with original cases (two from 1963 and one from 1957) and each was shipped in a case for a 6 1/2-inch gun. I also have a 5-inch Model 57 (one of one known) that was shipped in a case identical to the one shown in the photo.

onenut...the stocks are original. Why do you ask?

Bill

 

[onenut58]

I ask because every time you post a gun in here I learn something new.Some people put older grips on newer versions. most people dont have a set of grips like that just laying around either. You can buy a decent shooter almost for the price they want for them over in e-bay.I thought maybe you had put a set on the gun because they are more attractive etc.Most of the guns you post are rare versions very unique etc.My knowledge is very limited compared to yours and most of the time if you post a gun It is the first time I ever heard of it and learn something.I had no Idea that grips like that were used on a Dash two.I honestly wasnt accussing you of trying to fool any one or any thing like that.
I thought your reply might be yes they are original and they used them up until this time etc.You said in your post that only a few had been made so I suspected your answer about the case was as you answered.But didnt rule out that maybe it was sent in the wrong case.It may have made it even more valuable.
I dont know these things thats why I ask.
Your eye for detail and unique collection impresses the hell out of me as well as your knowledge and this gun along with all the others Your post prove you dont mess with anything but the real thing.
My question should have been I didnt know they used those grips on guns as late as a dash two.And how long did they use them etc.

 

[Doc44]

onenut...the style of stocks used on the 29-2 in the photo was used at least through 1966 and possibly well into 1967. By 1968, the checked area was reduced to that seen on regular target stocks and "coke bottle" stocks became part of history. By early 1969, the diamond around the escutcheon and escutcheon nut was eliminated and "diamond targets" passed into history also.

Bill

 

[onenut58]

Thank you very much for that valuable bit of imformation.

 

[David Lapell]

nafn flk nd ewds rewwy wooooo!

Sorry, my chin was on the keyboard again. What a beauty.

 

[WGlide90]

Bill,

I'm always supremely amazed at your collection pieces. I'm partial to the 29s/629s. I tried to start a collection 22 years ago (wow, is that right?) and have only 6 pcs, 4 of which are 44 mags. All are more modern since I purchased all new.

You're entries here and stories are the greatest. Keep them coming!

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Ralph G]

Hi Bill ,
Thanks for that info !! I have`nt seen a box for a five inch M29 . Or a five inch in a box !! Never mind !! :lol:
The cases I have must have been for 27`s like you said .
Great info on the grips and Thank You !! B-)

 

[tomw1964]

The 44 Magnum and its model variations with a 5-inch barrel are highly sought after by collectors. I found this one many years ago with its original presentation case, accessories, and literature. It was shipped in March 1963 and is a fairly early 29-2. It has an L stamped on the rear surface of the cylinder indicating the revolver has an extractor rod with a left-hand thread. It is estimated that about 450 44 Magnums were made with a 5-inch barrel and shipped from 1956 to 1973 (most from 1958 to 1963).

Bill

Bill , I am curious to what an all original , mint condition with a 5 inch barrel might fetch.I have one that was shipped to H H Harris , in Chicago in April of 1963.The story is 167 of these were destined to the Arizona State Police.13 were shipped to Chicago , and my father was given one by mistake as he was trying to buy the standard 6 inch.All original , and less than 400 rounds put through it in almost 60 years.

 

[oldgrowth]

Doc44
Registered
Joined Jan 21, 2009
Last seen Apr 15, 2013

I'm not sayin he won't answer you but it has been a while since he's been on.

That sounds like a wonderful piece of history you have there. I find that local prices were I'm at are usually much lower than national prices. If your looking to sell you may benefit by using a national auction house on Gun Broker or the likes.