[rcxdm40]

Hello, I need help identifying this smith and wesson looks like a model 29 but there are no model # anywhere on the gun only 44 mag and would like an estimated value gun is about 80% on condition Serial # 174087 Thanks for the help



http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj119/rc117450/IMG_0556.jpg

[SaxonPig]

Well, I'll take a guess that it's a 44 Magnum made before the model numbers were started in 1957. The stocks look like the much valued "Cokes" that came on the early 44s but unfortunately someone butchered them up. The last set of these stocks I saw sell at auction brought $680, by the way.

I could only guess at the value of an 80% pre-29. An 80% gun would not excite collectors. If the stocks weren't cut up I'd say $1,000 to $1,500. As is, maybe $700-$1,000 as a neat shooter.

PS: The serial on this gun will have an S prefix. Is it S174087? The serial will be on the butt under the stocks.

[The Lone Haranguer]

Swing out the cylinder and look for a model number on the part of the frame the yoke/crane swung out from. If there is no model number you have an early model (1955-56), made before Smith put model numbers on their revolvers. Of further help would be pictures of the right side and lower front of the gun.

[M57]

What you have is a pre mod29, and someone with more knowledge of the first 44's will chime in on this one, what a nice find! And yes it's worth a few$$$$ too bad someone screwed up those stocks they are worth a mint in orig. condition. Very Nice!

[M57]

I think that serial # puts it at 1956-57 so it's one of the first pre mods.

[Doc44]

Your 44 Magnum (Pre-Model 29) was manufactured before S&W began stamping model numbers in the yoke cut (at approximately serial number S184000). The serial number of your 44 Magnum dates it to 1957, but S&W did ship 44s in this serial number range into early 1958.

A 44 Magnum in the condition you describe is not really a collectible, but falls into the shooter category. I would value it at around $850, assuming it is sound mechanically.

Bill