Smith and Wesson Serial Number Date of Manufacture J Frame Revolver Lookup For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions. 1950 = start at 1 1952 = 7369 - 21342. Very Fine Early Model Smith & Wesson No.2 Army Revolver. Serial number 327. 85% of the original blue. Very early gun and in exceptionally nice condition. This gun has a two pin top strap which was only found on the very. Obtain a copy of the 3rd Edition of 'The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson,' which lists all of the different gun models and the corresponding years of their serial numbers. For example, pre-World War Two models have only numbers, while later models can include letters. ISMACS Singer Serial Number lookup. Smith and wesson model 659. Flossaction technology for superior overall clean. Although most famous for the variety of double action revolvers, Smith & Wesson also produces a fine line of semi-automatic pistols. Smith Wesson Serial Numbers - Pistols. 357 Magnum is the oldest 'magnum' handgun. Locate either 'Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Massachusetts' or 'Smith & Wesson; Houlton, ME' stamped on the barrel. This identification proves that the handgun is an authentic Smith & Wesson pistol. Locate the serial number on the left side of the pistol's frame. The standard location for the serial number is above the trigger guard.
| Smith & Wesson Model 29 | |
|---|---|
Smith & Wesson.44 Magnum Model 629 with 83⁄8 inches (21 cm) barrel: a stainless steel version of the Model 29. | |
| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Produced | 1955–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass |
|
| Length |
|
| Barrel length |
|
| Cartridge | |
| Caliber | .429 inches (10.9 mm) |
| Action | Double-action |
| Feed system | Six roundcylinder |
| Sights | Open, 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.
The Model 29 was offered with 3, 4, 5, 6, 61⁄2, 83⁄8 and 105⁄8 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.
The number one variation on the Model 29 theme is the Model 629, a stainless steel.44 Magnum introduced in 1978 with serial numbers N629062 to N629200 for a special run of 'pre-production' guns followed by the first production gun, serial number N748564 all with 6” barrels. Serial Number Smith Wesson. 357 Magnum For modern Smith and Wesson revolvers, the serial number is located on the butt of the revolver. Smith and Wesson 629-4 Classic Revolver Kit. Some of this is from Supica's and Nahas's Appendices, and some from our own records. Smith and Wesson Serial Number Date of Manufacture J Frame Revolver Lookup. For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions. 1950 = start at 1.
History[edit]
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 Dates Of Manufacture By Serial Number
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.
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]
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 61⁄2 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]
| Model | Year | Barrel Lengths | Modifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 1957 | 61⁄2 inches (170 mm) | |
| 29-1 | 1960 | 61⁄2 inches (170 mm) | ejector rod screw |
| 29-2 | 1961 | 61⁄2 inches (170 mm), changed to 6 inches (150 mm) in 1979 | one screw that had secured the cylinder stop spring dropped |
| 29-3 | 1982 | dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels for crush-fit barrels | |
| 29-4 | 1988 | retention system on the yoke or cylinder crane strengthened, studs in frame were radiused; 8 3/8' version offered with integral scope mts. | |
| 29-5 | 1990 | longer cylinder notches to prevent bolt jump, bolt and inner mechanism changed to reduce battering under recoil | |
| 29-6 | 1994 | standard with rubber Monogrips from Hogue | |
| 29-7 | 1998 | changes to the locking mechanism, the firing pin's attachment, and a hammer and trigger produced with a metal injection molding process. | |
| 29-8 | 2001 | new frame design with internal lock | |
| 29-9 | |||
| 29-10 |
| Starting Number | Years |
|---|---|
| N1 | 1969-1972 |
| N100000 | 1973 |
| N200000 | 1974-1977 |
| N300000 | 1975-1976 |
| N400000 | 1977-1978 |
| N500000 | 1978-1980 |
| N600000 | 1979-1980 |
| N700000 | 1980 |
| N800000 | 1980-1983 |
| N900000 | 1982-1986 |
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.
| Model | Start Year | Barrel Lengths | Modifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 629 | 1979 | ||
| 629-1 | 1982 | dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels | |
| 629-2 | 1988 | changed yoke retention, radius studs, floating hand | |
| 629-3 | 1989 | hardened yoke and frame, longer stop notch, bolt block, fixed hand | |
| 629-4 | 1993 | changed rear sight leaf and extractor | |
| 629-5 | 1997 | Eliminate cylinder stop stud and serrated tang, MIM trigger and hammer, floating firing pin | |
| 629-6 | 2001 | Internal lock added | |
| 629-7 | 2005 | Two piece barrel | |
| 629-8 | 2006 | Slab sided barrel |
Quiet Special Purpose Revolver[edit]
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 (13⁄8 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]
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]
- 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 71⁄2 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]
- ^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.
- ^ abcJohn Taffin. Gun Digest Book of the .44. pp. 147–150. ISBN0-89689-416-9.
- ^Hornaday, Ann (Jan 17, 1999) 'Guns on film: a loaded issue', Baltimore Sun
- ^Smith, Clint (2007). 'The do-all death-ray: SDM's custom .44 Magnum'. American Handgunner. 24 (4).
- ^ 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.
- ^Egusa, Alan (April 2010). Martial Art of the Gun: The Turnipseed Technique. Dog Ear Publishing. p. 55. ISBN978-1-60844-226-3.
- ^Shideler, Dan (10 May 2011). The Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices 2011. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 918. ISBN1-4402-1890-0.
- ^Smith & Wesson press release announcing the Model 29 Anniversary EditionArchived 2006-11-13 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^'Smith & Wesson Classics: Model 29 Engraved'(PDF). Smith & Wesson. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2007-09-27.
- ^Shideler, Dan. The Official Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 918. ISBN9781440218903. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
- ^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.
External links[edit]
| Wikimedia Commons has media related to Smith & Wesson Model 29. |
A Brief Overview of the History of Smith & Wesson
For starters, the Smith & Wesson company has been around for OVER 150 YEARS! In addition to being one of the oldest firearm companies, Smith & Wesson is also known as the largest gun manufacturer in the world. S&W is well known the world round for their revolvers and handguns. The company has gone through it's fair share of ups and downs over the past 150 years, but in the end it has both survived and thrived. The founders of S&W were Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson. Horace gained his firearms experience while working in the National Armory, while Daniel gained his valuable firearms experience while working with his brother Edwin Wesson, a well known gun maker at the time. Horace and Daniel joined forces to start Smith and Wesson in 1852. Listed below are some of the highlights and popular weapons that Smith and Wesson has produced over the years.
OVERVIEW OF SMITH & WESSON GUN HISTORY
1852 - Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson produce a lever action Volcanic pistol.
1854 - Due to financial difficulties, Volcanic Repeating Arms company sold to Winchester.
1856 - Smith & Wesson join again to create a new rimfire revolver known as the Model 1.
1870 - Model 3 revolver is released - famous .44 & .45 caliber revolvers.
1880 - S&W releases a .38 double action revolver.
1899 - The famous Model 10 revolver (aka .38 Military & Police) released.
1935 - Legendary .357 Magnum revolver released - first magnum pistol.
1955 - Model 20 .44 Magnum revolver raises the bar further on magnum pistols.
1955 - Model 39 is the 1st American made double action semi-auto pistol.
1965 - Model 60 is the 1st stainless steel revolver.
1979 - Model 629 combines the famous .44 Magnum with stainless steel.
1981 - Model 681 medium sized L frame .357 Magnum revolver.
1990 - Model 4006 semi-automatic pistol released.
1994 - Economically priced Sigma series of semi-auto pistols released.
1999 - Airlite Titanium lightweight revolvers introduced.
1999 - S&W and Walther produce semi-auto SW99 (based on Walther P99).
2000 - S&W signs a controversial gun control agreement with the US Government.
2003 - SW1911 released - S&W variation on the famous M1911 semi-auto .45 pistol.
2005 - Releases M&P (Military & Police) line of semi-auto pistols for law enforcement.
Smith And Wesson Firearm Serial Number Lookup
There you have it.. a brief Smith & Wesson gun history listed in chronological format. Over it's extensive 150 year history, there have been MANY other models of guns released, but this listing shows some of the most famous Smith and Wesson firearms. Smith and Wesson now offers many different handguns including both revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. In addition, S&W also offers tactical rifles for use by both law enforcement and consumers. Furthermore, Smith & Wesson offers other items such as knives, handcuffs, and security related products. The security products include barrier systems for preventing vehicles from passing into restricted areas. These barriers are designed to protect military, government, and other sensitive areas from being breached by a vehicle. Some of these barricade systems are designed to withstand the ramming force of a large commercial truck crashing into the barrier at high speed. Uninstall google chrome portable. These are just a sample of the many products that are now offered by S&W. What started out as a couple of guys with an idea for an innovative new pistol, grew into the largest gun manufacturer in the world, and further branched out into other areas of security and law enforcement products.
Smith And Wesson 38 Special Revolver Serial Number Lookup
Smith Wesson Serial Numbers Manufacture Date
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