Smith & Wesson Model 29 Serial Numbers

S&w Model 29 Serial Numbers. Sw Model 29 Serial Numbers Lookup. Look up the pistol's full serial number - including all letters and numbers - in the back section of the 'Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson' book. These listings inform you of the pistol's date of manufacture, based on the serial number. Smith & Associates has locations all over the globe. Our headquarters is in Houston, Texas. Smith & Associates knows electronic components. We use that knowledge to offer procurement and supply chain services to electronics manufacturers. Our experience and expertise can solve your supply chain problems.

Smith & Wesson Model 29
Smith & Wesson.44 Magnum Model 629 with 838 inches (21 cm) barrel: a stainless steel version of the Model 29.
TypeRevolver
Place of originUnited States
Service history
Used bySee Users
Production history
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
Produced1955–present
Specifications
Mass
  • 41.5 oz (1.177 kg) (4 in bbl)
  • 45 oz (1.276 kg) (6 in bbl)
  • Both of these weights are for the traditional S&W style without a barrel underlug.
Length
  • 9.3 inches (24 cm) (Barrel 4 inches (10 cm))
  • 12 inches (30 cm) (Barrel 612 inches (17 cm))
Barrel length
  • 3 inches (76 mm)
  • 4 inches (100 mm)
  • 5 inches (130 mm)
  • 6 inches (150 mm)
  • 612 inches (170 mm)
  • 838 inches (210 mm)
  • 1058 inches (270 mm)
Cartridge
Caliber.429 inches (10.9 mm)
ActionDouble-action
Feed systemSix roundcylinder
SightsOpen, adjustable rear

The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a six-shot, double-actionrevolver chambered for the .44 Magnumcartridge and manufactured by the United States company Smith & Wesson.

Smith

Reflecting a change in designation throughout the Smith & Wesson line, in late 1957, starting with serial number S179000, the.44 Magnum became the Model 29. As Jinks notes, however, the changeover. Choose Your Serial Number Rebate Available Price Match Request Recently Added Firearms View All Firearms. Ammo By Caliber. 'Smith And Wesson Model 29' For Sale.

The Model 29 was offered with 3, 4, 5, 6, 612, 838 and 1058 inches (76, 102, 127, 152, 165, 213 and 270 mm) barrels as standard models. Other barrel lengths were available either by special order from Smith & Wesson's Custom Shop or custom built by gunsmiths. The 5 inches (130 mm) barreled variant had a full length underlug. Finish options available included a highly polishedblued or nickel-plated surface.

At 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 .454 Casull and .50 Action Express cartridges. It was made famous worldwide by association with the fictional character 'Dirty Harry' Callahan.

Design[edit]

The Model 29 will chamber and fire .44 Special cartridges, as the .44 Magnum was developed from the .44 Special. The Magnum case is slightly longer to prevent magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the .44 Special.

History[edit]

Smith & Wesson Model 29s, with 4-and-838-inch (100 and 210 mm) barrels

Elmer Keith's achievements in maximizing the power and performance of the .44 Special was the inspiration and driving force behind the introduction of the .44 Magnum by Smith & Wesson. 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.[1]

S&W's production of a large N-frame revolver in .44 Magnum began in 1955; the Model 29 designation was applied in 1957.[2]

At 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.

Smith And Wesson Model 29 For Sale

It remained primarily the province of handgun enthusiasts, some law enforcement personnel and hunters until 1971, when Clint Eastwood made it famous as 'the most powerful handgun in the world' in the movie Dirty Harry. After the release of the movie and its sequels, retailers had trouble keeping the Model 29 in stock.[3]

In the late 1990s, Smith & Wesson discontinued production of many models of revolvers, including the 'basic' Model 29; since then, at various times, the model, in limited or 'custom' configurations, has been manufactured in as many as 10 evolutions.[4]

Variants[edit]

Smith & Wesson Model 29-2

The original Model 29 was superseded by the Model 29-1 in 1960, with modifications made to the ejector-rod screw. The Model 29-2 replaced it the following year, with one screw that had secured the cylinder-stop spring being deleted. The barrel length was shortened from 612 to 6 inches (170 to 150 mm) in 1979. These two versions are known as 'pinned and recessed'. 'Pinned' means that the barrels are screwed in, and secured by a pin driven through the frame and a notch in the barrel. 'Recessed' denotes the rear of the bored cylinder holes being countersunk, so that, when loaded, the cartridge rims are fully enclosed by the cylinder. In 1982, the cost-cutting Model 29-3 dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels for crush-fit barrels.[2]

The -4 and -5, produced from 1988 and 1990 respectively had changes to improve durability for heavy use. In 1994 the 29-6 began production, now fitted as standard with rubber Monogrips from Hogue to replace the previous wooden items, standard tapped holes also being provided for attaching scope mounts. The 29-7 started production in 1998 with changes to the locking mechanism, the firing pin's attachment, and a hammer and trigger produced with a metal injection molding process.[2]

ModelYearBarrel LengthsModifications
291957612 inches (170 mm)
29-11960612 inches (170 mm)ejector rod screw
29-21961612 inches (170 mm), changed to 6 inches (150 mm) in 1979one screw that had secured the cylinder stop spring dropped
29-31982dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels for crush-fit barrels
29-41988retention system on the yoke or cylinder crane strengthened, studs in frame were radiused; 8 3/8' version offered with integral scope mts.
29-51990longer cylinder notches to prevent bolt jump, bolt and inner mechanism changed to reduce battering under recoil
29-61994standard with rubber Monogrips from Hogue
29-71998changes to the locking mechanism, the firing pin's attachment, and a hammer and trigger produced with a metal injection molding process.
29-82001new frame design with internal lock
29-9
29-10
Serial
Starting NumberYears
N11969-1972
N1000001973
N2000001974-1977
N3000001975-1976
N4000001977-1978
N5000001978-1980
N6000001979-1980
N7000001980
N8000001980-1983
N9000001982-1986

Model 629[edit]

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. The 629 Classic variant features a full-length barrel underlug, other variants include the 629 Stealth Hunter.

S&w 29 3 Serial Number

.44 Magnum S&W Model 629-6 Deluxe Talo Edition
ModelStart YearBarrel LengthsModifications
6291979
629-11982dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels
629-21988changed yoke retention, radius studs, floating hand
629-31989hardened yoke and frame, longer stop notch, bolt block, fixed hand
629-41993changed rear sight leaf and extractor
629-51997Eliminate cylinder stop stud and serrated tang, MIM trigger and hammer, floating firing pin
629-62001Internal lock added
629-72005Two piece barrel
629-82006Slab sided barrel

Quiet Special Purpose Revolver[edit]

Smith & Wesson Model 29 Serial Numbers Lookup

Some S&W model 29s were rebuilt by the AAI Corporation to make the Quiet Special Purpose Revolvers (QSPR). These had new, short, smoothbore barrels 35 millimetres (138 in), with 10 millimetres (0.39 in) bore, with cylinder chambers reamed to accept special QSPR ammunition which externally resembled metal-cased .410-bore shotgun shells but internally worked as a piston to trap the gases. This special ammunition was made by AAI.[5]

This pistol was developed from 1967 to 1971 to be used by tunnel rats in the Vietnam War. The QSPR was tested on the battlefield in 1969, and an improvement and testing program ran from 1970 until 1971. At least officially it never entered service. The US withdrawal from Vietnam reduced interest in the QSPR weapon, and the program ended in about 1972,[5] although unsubstantiated rumors claim the QSPR may have been used by CIA assassins during the Cold War, and continues to be used by so-called 'Black Book teams'.

A Russian handgun introduced in 2002, the OTs-38 Stechkin silent revolver, is described as using a system virtually identical to the QSPR.

Mountain Gun Variation[edit]

Mountain Gun engraved by John K. Pease and Wayne Di'Angelo through the Smith & Wesson Custom Engraving Shop.

The Mountain Gun was introduced in 1989 as a lightweight version of the Model 29 designed to be 'carried often and shot little'.[6] The barrel profile is a reprise of the original design. Early version 29-4 backpacker with 2.5' barrel, (Very rare).

A Smith & Wesson Model 629 with a 3' barrel called the 'Trail Boss' was produced for the distributor, RSR.[7]

Other variants[edit]

Smith & Wesson Model 629 Performance Center, a competition-oriented variant with a weighted barrel for reducing recoil
  • On January 26, 2006, Smith & Wesson announced the 50th Anniversary Model 29.[8] Identical to the previous models except for the gold inlaid trademark on the side cover, the new internal lock mechanism, and a non-fluted cylinder.
  • On January 1, 2007, Smith & Wesson announced the reissue of the Model 29 as an engraved model in S&W's Classics line.[9]
  • The Smith & Wesson Model 629 Stealth Hunter has a 712 inches (190 mm) ported barrel with a full-length under lug for increased stability and recoil reduction.The barrel-cylinder gap is 0.006 inches (0.15 mm), with a ball-detent lockup between the frame and cylinder crane that provides increased strength. The entire revolver is made of a stainless steel, with a glare-reducing matte black finish. It comes with slip-resistant synthetic grips.[10]
  • The 329NG is a scandium-framed revolver with PVD-coated cylinder and tritium sights. It is part of the NightGuard line.[11]

Users[edit]

  • United States: Used by the Washington Police Department

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^Campbell, R. K. (December 2011). 'General Purpose Handguns'. The Complete Illustrated Manual of Handgun Skills. Zenith Imprint. p. 90. ISBN978-1-61059-745-6. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  2. ^ abcJohn Taffin. Gun Digest Book of the .44. pp. 147–150. ISBN0-89689-416-9.
  3. ^Hornaday, Ann (Jan 17, 1999) 'Guns on film: a loaded issue', Baltimore Sun
  4. ^Smith, Clint (2007). 'The do-all death-ray: SDM's custom .44 Magnum'. American Handgunner. 24 (4).
  5. ^ abPopenker, Max R. 'Smith & Wesson/ AAI Quiet Special Purpose Revolver/ QSPR/ Tunnel Revolver Archived 2010-04-18 at the Wayback Machine', world.guns.ru. Retrieved 2010-04-05.
  6. ^Egusa, Alan (April 2010). Martial Art of the Gun: The Turnipseed Technique. Dog Ear Publishing. p. 55. ISBN978-1-60844-226-3.
  7. ^Shideler, Dan (10 May 2011). The Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices 2011. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 918. ISBN1-4402-1890-0.
  8. ^Smith & Wesson press release announcing the Model 29 Anniversary EditionArchived 2006-11-13 at the Wayback Machine.
  9. ^'Smith & Wesson Classics: Model 29 Engraved'(PDF). Smith & Wesson. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2007-09-27.
  10. ^Shideler, Dan. The Official Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 918. ISBN9781440218903. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
  11. ^Mann, Richard Allen; Lee, Jerry (20 November 2013). The Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values: The Shooter's Guide to Guns 1900-Present. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media. p. 220. ISBN978-1-4402-3752-2.

Willow Smith

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Smith & Wesson Model 29.

Smith Wesson Revolver Serial Numbers

Smith And Wesson Model 29 Serial Number List Pdf

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From 1910 onward Smith and Wesson Hand Ejector revolvers came in target variations equipped with adjustable sights.Rimfire revolvers built on the .32 frame were considered heavyweights and the first serious effort toward a .22 built on the 38 (K) frame did not come about until 1931.The high velocity .22 long rifle cartridge had become popular and the company advertised the new K-22 “Outdoorsman” as being specifically designed for the high speed round.

It was marketed to hunters and outdoorsmen in a climate that could not have been less ideal.The Great Depression was in full swing and there was a serious effort to include handguns in the prohibitive tax and registration structure of the Federal Firearms act of 1932 and 34.Nevertheless the K 22 was an immediate success with well-heeled sportsmen as well as police and military training programs.Supica –Standard Catalog of Smith and Wessonrecords that an Army team took several K 22s to the 1932 Olympics providing an early launch into the mainstream target circuit.By 1940, shooters or agencies had bought 19,500 of the first model and a second model was in the catalogues as “A replica of that favorite, the .38 M&P Target Revolver” (Stoeger-Shooter’s Bible).By this time, it had become the K 22 ‘Masterpiece’ and was firmly identified with organized target shooting.Wartime rationing stopped production in 1941 with something over 1,000 units of the second models out the door.

Post-War production resumed in 1946 with the K-22 becoming part of a target set including the K-38 and the redesigned, Post-War K-32. The revolver assumed the profile that would define the Smith Hand Ejectors until 1989.Variations abound and generally follow the evolution of the Smith Hand Ejectors as a family.The defining theme of the K 22 target revolvers and the current 617s is the intent of their purchasers to have the best of all possible rimfire revolvers.

There is a long- standing tradition that regards each model variation as a poor imitation of its immediate predecessor. In the case of the K-22, this occurred each time the side plate or frame shed another screw, in 1957 when the model names gave way to the number system and in the late 20th Dead space 3 lan coop hamachi. Century when the classic ribbed barrels disappeared in favor of the heavy under-lugs. Throughout history, it has been just possible to acquire a substandard K-22 and there have been periods when workmanship really suffered.There were legitimate complaints about quality control during the Vietnam War Era. In the ‘70s, many revolvers felt like a handful of gravel had been trapped under the side plate. In the main though, the K-22 by any name and from any decade, provides its own justification for pride of ownership.

Optimum Accuracy

Post World War II, the factory promised that each K Series target revolver would group five rounds inside of 1.5” at 50 yards.My heavy lugged 617-3 from 1999 will demonstrate this level of accuracy with a good selection of premium small game and varmint loads.Mounted with its Weaver 1.5-4x LER Variable, it regularly produces sub one inch accuracy at 25 yards and will deliver CCI Mini-Mags, Velocitors, Stinger, Aquilla QuikShok and Remington Golden Bullet Hollow Point into the magic 1.5” at 50.My. 1947 K-22 and the Model 17-5 from 1988 are not a bit ammunition sensitive and regularly produce .9” to 1.1” groups at 25 yards with the same list of ammunition.Experience tells me that the scoped gun will shoot closer than I can hold.I have also learned that my iron sight groups are forty to fifty percent larger than they would be shooting with a scope. They would undoubtedly meet the 1.5” standard from a machine rest.If there is any advantage to using premium target ammunition, my shooting ability is not good enough to demonstrate it.

It’s the Action

While it’s not unusual to find a Ruger or Taurus that will shoot equivalent bench groups, the out-of-the-box action of the K-22 is legend. The smart owner will shoot his K-22/17/617 a bit before deciding any work is needed and then will usually find that the best course is to leave the side plate screws unturned. The crisp single action let off and the smoothness of the double action gives the shooter the maximum opportunity to translate the indwelling accuracy of the revolver to success on the range or in the field.

Practicalities

Smith & Wesson Model 29-3 Serial Numbers

Early in my K-22 shooting career, I placed quite a bit of importance on the advantages of the added weight and muzzle heaviness of the later models.My 1947 K-22 weighs 38 oz and has a 40-ounce trigger pull. When I first got it, I was amazed how often a seemingly perfect release would land my shot wide of the mark. Familiarity levels the field however, and the single action off-hand scores are as good and easily shot as my other K –frames.The 8 3/8” Model. 17 weighs 48oz and has a 52-ounce trigger.The wide trigger, ideal sight picture and long sight radius make for reliable and sometimes amazing double and single action target work.

The Intermediate weight 617 at 45 ounces with its 6” heavy under-lug barrel was a fine tool for practicing double action shooting. The revolver has fired over 3,000 rounds –the bulk of it in the double action mode. It remains in near-new condition. Any deficiency inherent in the Metal Injection Molded action parts has yet to emerge.The trigger has stayed constant at 56 ounces.The Weaver Scope brings the weight up to 62 ounces but, far from being a bench queen, the big revolver keeps the off-hand shots on the 25- yard center about as well as the other two.

The K-22 and its extended family has outlived its role as a state of the art competitive and training tool. The target shooters are now using self loading single purpose lead dispensers while the police are packing tactical plastic and training with simunition and computer programs.The K-22 is now in the province of those enthusiasts who appreciate a handgun as much for what it is as for what it can do.

For in-depthinformation on models, dates, serial numbers and variationssee“The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, Second Edition” by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas (Krause Publications 715 445 2214).

Smith College

The definitive work on the lore of the revolver, customizing and general information, “The Custom Revolver” by Hamilton S. Bowen, available from Bowen Classic Arms. Contact BCA on the Web at www.bowenclassicarms.com, or phone (865) 984-3583.

Smith & Wesson Model 29 Serial Numbers Free

Mike Cumpston

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