I own two Model 29's, one was purchased prior to 1971 and has 3 screws in the side frame. I also have a model 29 acquired in the 1980"s with 2 screws in the side frame. My question is, are there pros or cons comapring the two different models? Is one more desirable than the other. I also have a Model 27 3 screw model. Thanks in advance for any input.
S&W Model 29 and Model 27 Question
- Thread starter Henry455
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Welcome to the forum Henry!!
I'll bet if you remove the grips from your "2 screw" model 29, you'll find another screw.
If you'd post some details about your guns, we could give you some info about their desirability. Things like barrel length, the dash number behind the model number on the yoke (if any), and maybe the first few digits of the serial umber (N123xx).
BTW: I happen to be one of the folks that thinks any N Frame is desirable!!
Joe
I'll bet if you remove the grips from your "2 screw" model 29, you'll find another screw.
If you'd post some details about your guns, we could give you some info about their desirability. Things like barrel length, the dash number behind the model number on the yoke (if any), and maybe the first few digits of the serial umber (N123xx).
BTW: I happen to be one of the folks that thinks any N Frame is desirable!!
Joe
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
Personally, I'm always in the mood for more model 29s, but it'd take an exceptional model 27 to trip my trigger. Other people feel otherwise.
I'd guess the model 29 commands a slightly higher premium, all other things being equal, since it's in a more powerful caliber.
How much prior to 1971? If 14 years or more it may have 4 screws in the side plate. S&Ws made before about 1957 had 4 in the side and one in front of trigger, after 1961 the one in front disappeared. The factory target grips will cover one of the side screws.
targetshootr
member
If there's one in the front of the trigger guard, you have a very collectible gun.
Thanks for your input guys. I am probably using the wrong terminology in describing the number of screws. The "3 screw" (actually 4 screws, I did remove the grips and found the fourth screw) 29 is blued with a 6" barrel, I believe it might be a "Dirty Harry" model and it has the extra screw just below the rear sight and just in front of the hammer. The serial # on the frame is 75XXX. The serial number on the cylinder is 160xxx and the serial number on the barrel assembly (located in the recess where the cylinder ejector rod sits) is also 160xxx.The later model factory nickle 4" model does not have a screw there. Its is a 29-2 with serial # N416XXX. There is a # on the cylinder frame 92724 and below this A21. I have posted some pictures at Webshots and will post the link when they are available.
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Al Thompson
Moderator Emeritus
Henry, XXX's added for your security.
Al Thompson
Moderator Emeritus
Absolutely.
The serial number on the older 29 should start with a letter S and is found on the butt. Other numbers are not necessarily the serial. It changes to an N on the large frame Smiths about 1968. A 4 or 5-screw 29 would likely have target grips with the diamond around the screw. These grips all by themselves will sell for $200+ on the auction sites. If you have the original box it is also valuable. The little screwdrivers that came with these early guns bring $100. Crazy, but that's gun collecting.
Some corrections here:
First, your gun is most properly called a "5-screw" S&W. It has a 4-screw sideplate and a screw in the trigger guard. After about 1957-1958 they built their guns with 3-screw sideplates and a screw in the triggerguard, and these guns are called "4-screw" models. Around 1961, they eliminated the triggerguard screw, thus "3-screw" guns.
Second, your gun's serial number is not in the 75,000 range. That would mean it was made in early 1950, six years before the .44 magnum was introduced. I'd bet money the serial number is 160xxx. That would make production yearend 1956. Pull the grips off and look at the bottom of the frame.
This Model 29 is one of the most desirable for collectors. Condition is everything; yours appears to be excellent and with the original grips. I would not take less than $1000 for it were I you.
JR
First, your gun is most properly called a "5-screw" S&W. It has a 4-screw sideplate and a screw in the trigger guard. After about 1957-1958 they built their guns with 3-screw sideplates and a screw in the triggerguard, and these guns are called "4-screw" models. Around 1961, they eliminated the triggerguard screw, thus "3-screw" guns.
Second, your gun's serial number is not in the 75,000 range. That would mean it was made in early 1950, six years before the .44 magnum was introduced. I'd bet money the serial number is 160xxx. That would make production yearend 1956. Pull the grips off and look at the bottom of the frame.
This Model 29 is one of the most desirable for collectors. Condition is everything; yours appears to be excellent and with the original grips. I would not take less than $1000 for it were I you.
JR
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John Ross,
You are absolutely correct on all points. I just discovered the 5th screw in the trigger guard and you are also correct about the serial number, I removed the grips and found the 160XXX number on the frame. I appreciate all the help from you guys.This gun was bought by my father who died in 1971 so I was not sure of the actual vintage date.
While I have your attention I also have a 5 screw "357 Magnum Revolver". I assume its a model 27 but the original box does not have a model # on it. It says "The .357 Magnum Revolver" It appears to have never been fired. It has a 75XXX number on the bottom of the grip frame and 17XXX on the cylinder frame.
You are absolutely correct on all points. I just discovered the 5th screw in the trigger guard and you are also correct about the serial number, I removed the grips and found the 160XXX number on the frame. I appreciate all the help from you guys.This gun was bought by my father who died in 1971 so I was not sure of the actual vintage date.
While I have your attention I also have a 5 screw "357 Magnum Revolver". I assume its a model 27 but the original box does not have a model # on it. It says "The .357 Magnum Revolver" It appears to have never been fired. It has a 75XXX number on the bottom of the grip frame and 17XXX on the cylinder frame.
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VonFatman
Member
Wow Henry 445...you have a couple NICE N's!!!
That "27" may be what is refered to as a "pre-27" or if you are lucky, a "Registered Magnum" One of these bright fellows here will most certainly help you out and fill in the "details". Congratulations on the fine guns!!
Bob
That "27" may be what is refered to as a "pre-27" or if you are lucky, a "Registered Magnum" One of these bright fellows here will most certainly help you out and fill in the "details". Congratulations on the fine guns!!
Bob
Here is a pic. of the .357 "The .357 Magnum" , the tape on the top of the box covers a sticker with my Dad's name on it.
targetshootr
member
Man, I sure would like to buy that 357. In case you decide to part with it my email is [email protected]. Those are two very collectible guns.
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Henry - welcome - and what an entrance!
I am in process of trying to mop up a large wet spot on my t-shirt - it is drool!! I adore my Smiths and have two very lovely M27-2 examples but hey - your stuff here is just - well - envy city!! Yummeee!
I ''tolerate'' my M629 Mountain Gun ... but sure wish I had some early stuff.
I am in process of trying to mop up a large wet spot on my t-shirt - it is drool!!
I adore my Smiths and have two very lovely M27-2 examples but hey - your stuff here is just - well - envy city!! Yummeee!I ''tolerate'' my M629 Mountain Gun ... but sure wish I had some early stuff.
inventory0297
Member
Man those are some nice guns, the folks over at the S&W forum would skin themselves alive to buy them off you at prices that may come as a surprise. But do go ahead and email me first if you decide to sell
Your pre-27 is barrelled in a desirable barrel length, second probably only to the 5" models or the custom lengths of the pre-war guns.
As for the 29, well any mint 5 screw pre-29 with original grips and correct presentation box is very exciting.
Just so you know, that box you have with your pre-27 is also valuable. Probably at least $200.00. The reason being is that that is a pre war box which they shipped the Registered Magnums in from 1935-39. If that box is numbered to your gun it raises the collectibility a good bit. Some were left over and used after the war. I wouldn't store the gun in it to keep it from breaking down anymore. Any other goodies come with it?
Do the magna stocks on you pre-27 have the same serial # (written in grease pen or stamped) as the gun on the inside?
BTW, that knurled aluminum screwdriver with you pre-29 would sell for $50.00 easily as well.
It would probably be worth your time to get a factory letter on these guns from S&W historian Roy Jinks. I think it's 30.00 per gun or so. Then you'll know precisely when they shipped, to whom, and their original configuration.
Your pre-27 is barrelled in a desirable barrel length, second probably only to the 5" models or the custom lengths of the pre-war guns.
As for the 29, well any mint 5 screw pre-29 with original grips and correct presentation box is very exciting.
Just so you know, that box you have with your pre-27 is also valuable. Probably at least $200.00. The reason being is that that is a pre war box which they shipped the Registered Magnums in from 1935-39. If that box is numbered to your gun it raises the collectibility a good bit. Some were left over and used after the war. I wouldn't store the gun in it to keep it from breaking down anymore. Any other goodies come with it?
Do the magna stocks on you pre-27 have the same serial # (written in grease pen or stamped) as the gun on the inside?
BTW, that knurled aluminum screwdriver with you pre-29 would sell for $50.00 easily as well.
It would probably be worth your time to get a factory letter on these guns from S&W historian Roy Jinks. I think it's 30.00 per gun or so. Then you'll know precisely when they shipped, to whom, and their original configuration.
VonFatman
Member
Henry455,
Mr. Inventory 0297 gave you terrific suggestions. I agree that asking and thinking is in order before you part (if you are considering parting with) your guns. Take some time, ask lots of questions (you will develop many more) and try to come up with a fair market price for your guns. The time you take will be proportionate to the value you will receive should you decide to sell. Heck, with a factory letter, you may find out one or both of the guns are "unique" in some way, shape or form which would make them MORE collectable and thus give you good reason to have them priced up above normal fair-market value....that kind of stuff really gets collectors excited!
Here's how you can get your letter...go to this webpage (off S&W's site):
http://customersupport.smith-wesson.com/pages/history_request
Download the Adobe form...print it off...send your completed request with as much detail (use another sheet of paper if needed) as you can...ask as many questions about the guns as you have...the stuff you want to know will get the attention of Mr. Jinks. Send $30.00 with the request and expect a couple week wait...perhaps a bit more.
I believe you will be "investing" wisely if you obtain a factory letter on both guns...you WILL get your $30.00/ea. back...in fact, I believe that after you make your best deal on the guns you should calmly add $30.00 to each gun for each letter and it will be gladly paid by the purchaser...heck, it saves them doing what they WERE going to do when they got the gun(s)!
Good luck, if you can/desire to, please keep us posted on how things go...and remember, the guys on this forum will probably pay as much or more than the fellows on the S&W Forum! (both are EXCELLENT groups with many "cross-over" members (like me).
Here is a link to the S&W Forum:
http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/cgi-bin/sandwcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro
I'd recommend starting in the "1945 and after Revolver" forum as it is the largest and most active and should fit the time-frame in which your guns were produced. The folks on that forum will really enjoy you're posting the same links to your photos...then sit back and get ready for lots of replies!
Again, good luck!!
Bob
Mr. Inventory 0297 gave you terrific suggestions. I agree that asking and thinking is in order before you part (if you are considering parting with) your guns. Take some time, ask lots of questions (you will develop many more) and try to come up with a fair market price for your guns. The time you take will be proportionate to the value you will receive should you decide to sell. Heck, with a factory letter, you may find out one or both of the guns are "unique" in some way, shape or form which would make them MORE collectable and thus give you good reason to have them priced up above normal fair-market value....that kind of stuff really gets collectors excited!
Here's how you can get your letter...go to this webpage (off S&W's site):
http://customersupport.smith-wesson.com/pages/history_request
Download the Adobe form...print it off...send your completed request with as much detail (use another sheet of paper if needed) as you can...ask as many questions about the guns as you have...the stuff you want to know will get the attention of Mr. Jinks. Send $30.00 with the request and expect a couple week wait...perhaps a bit more.
I believe you will be "investing" wisely if you obtain a factory letter on both guns...you WILL get your $30.00/ea. back...in fact, I believe that after you make your best deal on the guns you should calmly add $30.00 to each gun for each letter and it will be gladly paid by the purchaser...heck, it saves them doing what they WERE going to do when they got the gun(s)!
Good luck, if you can/desire to, please keep us posted on how things go...and remember, the guys on this forum will probably pay as much or more than the fellows on the S&W Forum! (both are EXCELLENT groups with many "cross-over" members (like me).
Here is a link to the S&W Forum:
http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/cgi-bin/sandwcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro
I'd recommend starting in the "1945 and after Revolver" forum as it is the largest and most active and should fit the time-frame in which your guns were produced. The folks on that forum will really enjoy you're posting the same links to your photos...then sit back and get ready for lots of replies!
Again, good luck!!
Bob
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I just want to say how much I appreciate all the help and advice you guys have given me. I will probably sell the guns in the near future after doing as much research as I can. I will be sure and notify this forum of my intentions . Once again a big thank you to all.
Well Guys I received the factory letters on the Pre-Model 29 and 27. The 29 was shipped from the factory on April 16, 1956 with 6.5 inch barrel, blue finish and checkered Goncalo Alves target grips. The 27 was shipped May 10, 1950 with 3.5 inch barrel, blue finish and checkered walnut Magna grips.
I wish I had thought to ask how many 29's were produced before my example. The letter states that the 29 was introduced to the buying public in Jan. of 1956 and there could not have been a great many made in 3 1/2 months. The S&W Catalog by Supica and Nahas states there were approx. 6500 5 screws 29's made and switched to the 4 screw in mid summer of 1957.
NEW PICTURE of 27
I wish I had thought to ask how many 29's were produced before my example. The letter states that the 29 was introduced to the buying public in Jan. of 1956 and there could not have been a great many made in 3 1/2 months. The S&W Catalog by Supica and Nahas states there were approx. 6500 5 screws 29's made and switched to the 4 screw in mid summer of 1957.
NEW PICTURE of 27
VonFatman
Member
Henry455,
Hey, thanks for remembering to give us a head's up! I bet if you send Mr. Jinks a hand written note with a copy of your Mdl. 29 letter attached, he would most likely address your question.
Good luck!
Bob
Hey, thanks for remembering to give us a head's up! I bet if you send Mr. Jinks a hand written note with a copy of your Mdl. 29 letter attached, he would most likely address your question.
Good luck!
Bob
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