1957 Smith & Wesson Pre Model 29 .44 Mag 6.5in

This 1957 Smith & Wesson Pre Model 29 is finished in bright blue and fitted with a 6.5-inch pinned barrel. Built on the 4 screw N frame, this 6-shot swing out recessed cylinder, is capable of the .44 Mag or a .44 Spl. The Pre-Model-29 revolver was a successor of the Registered Magnum in the new era of high-powered revolvers.

This .44 Magnum Revolver’s bright blue finish retains its deep color throughout, with minor scattered handling marks. Rosewood coke bottle grips and case colored hammer and trigger, highlight the artistry found in early revolvers. The rear sight is adjustable for windage/elevation and the front sight is ramped and serrated with a red insert.

The markings on the left side of the barrel are “SMITH & WESSON” and on the cylinder crane and yoke are the serial number “S 169949” and inspection marks “83 844” “B” “7”. The seller states that serial number matches through the revolver, including the frame, grip frame, and cylinder. The right side of the Pre-Model 29 are “.44 MAGNUM” on the barrel and the front lower corner on the frame “MADE IN U.S.A. MARCAS REGISTRADAS SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” in four lines. The Smith & Wesson Trademark is located on the right-side frame behind the cylinder. 

The muzzle and barrel show light scattered handling marks, but a smooth finish. The front sight shows sharp leading edges. The top of the barrel is ribbed and matte finish. The bore is bright, and rifling is sharp, the seller notes the lock up is tight and action is crisp. 

This S&W .44 Mag cylinder shows deep finish on the high edges and into the fluting a light turn line can be seen. Both faces of the cylinder are smooth and show clean. 

The infamous coke bottle grips are smooth and are in excellent condition. Showing sharp checkering and only minor handling marks at the squared heel edges. The Smith and Wesson trademark medallion is centered at the top of each grip just above the checkering panel. Both medallions show their age well with good contrast and light discoloring at the edges.

Although this particular revolver does not have a letter as of yet, the Smith & Wesson Historical foundation has confirmed, this revolver was one of ten identical guns that went to the Williams Gun Sight Company in Davison, Michigan, on June 13, 1957. There were actually a total of 55 guns in the order; these ten .44 Magnums, a batch of 5 .44 Magnums with 4″ barrels, 10 Chiefs Specials, 20 K-22 Masterpieces, and 10 K-22 Masterpieces with target hammers. Overall, this would be the perfect addition for those collections with post war,  high-powered revolvers, or general Dirty Harry fans.