
Per Jinks' book, the Model 29-2 started at serial number S227149 when the switch to the 3-screw frame was made. The lowest serial number for a 29-2 I have actually seen is S227832. In 1962 and early 1963, there were revolvers stamped MOD. 29-1 in the yoke cut (and a few stamped MOD. 29-2) that have a 3-screw frame and an extractor rod with the. Dating a Smith & Wesson Revolver: This list is merely a general guide and not meant to be exact. There is some dispute regarding the dates on some serial numbers. Your gun may actually be a year off from what is listed.

The precise shipping date as 'lettered' can be several years off depending on model. Serial Numbers: Serial numbers are located on the inside right grip, frame butt, Cylinder, extractor star, and bottom of grip. Serial numbers should be matching on all revolvers. Introduced in 1978, the Smith & Wesson Model 629 is a stainless steel version of the Model 29. The 629 model designation derives from Smith & Wesson's practice of denoting a stainless steel version of one of their already existing designs by placing a 6 in front of the model number of the original weapon. S w n frame revolver serial number 181x s w n frame revolver serial number 181x s w 29 serial numbers smith and wesson serial numbers. Finish options available included a highly polishedblued or nickel-plated surface.Īt the time of its introduction the Model 29 was the most powerful production handgun, although it was later overtaken by handguns chambered for the even larger. It was made famous worldwide by association with the fictional character 'Dirty Harry' Callahan. The Magnum case is slightly longer to prevent magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the. History Įlmer Keith's achievements in maximizing the power and performance of the. 44 Special was the inspiration and driving force behind the introduction of the. His intention for the new round was for it to be used in sidearms for hunters of large, dangerous game, rather than for self-defense, though with today's specialty cartridges, it can be a good defensive round. S&W's production of a large N-frame revolver in. 44 Magnum began in 1955 the Model 29 designation was applied in 1957. Īt the time of its introduction, the Model 29 was the most powerful production handgun.

There were a number of custom calibers that were more powerful, as in the old Howdah pistols of the 19th century.
