S&W pre model 29 vs model 29?

[titus75]

What would the differences be between a pre model 29 .44 6" made in 1957 vs a model 29 made in 1960? Are we just talking about a model designation or are there significant differences between the 2 revolvers?

[sfe187]

Model number (MOD 29) stamping started in 1957.

Is it possible some early 57's does not have model stamping, possible.

29-1 begin in 1962.

[highpower]

A pre model number Model 29 is going to be a five screw frame. A 29 no dash will be a four screw frame. Later Model 29’s (-2 etc) will have three screw frames.

[sealocan]

^ You better buy one quickly before they forget to put any screws in it.

[FeuerFrei]

I have a Smith pre-29 6 1/2" 4 screw. sn/ s 169xxx stamped on inside *ejector well.

Port side of barrel is stamped Smith & Wesson and starboard side stamped 44 magnum.

3 screws visible and 1 hidden under the grip panel.

*Ejector will unscrew itself shooting magnums and I left it that way. No factory change made. Cylinder has case head recesses.

[highpower]

I have a Smith pre-29 6 1/2" 4 screw. sn/ s 169xxx stamped on inside *ejector well.

Port side of barrel is stamped Smith & Wesson and starboard side stamped 44 magnum.

3 screws visible and 1 hidden under the grip panel.

*Ejector will unscrew itself shooting magnums and I left it that way. No factory change made. Cylinder has case head recesses.

You have a five screw frame. The fifth screw is at the front of the trigger guard. On four screw frames they eliminated the screw at the top of the side plate near the rear sight.

My four screw Model 29 no dash is serial number 202200

[003]

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]

Model Year Barrel Lengths Modifications

29 1957 6+1⁄2 inches (170 mm)

29-1 1960 6+1⁄2 inches (170 mm) ejector rod screw changed so it would not loosen under recoil

29-2 1961 6+1⁄2 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

[FeuerFrei]

You have a five screw frame. The fifth screw is at the front of the trigger guard. On four screw frames they eliminated the screw at the top of the side plate near the rear sight.

My four screw Model 29 no dash is serial number 202200

Mine has no screw on the upper side plate near the rear sight. I included the front trigger guard screw. Can't miss it.

Last screw can't be seen unless the grip panel is removed.

My research indicated a post 1955 made piece after S&W production eliminated the top screw and went 4 screw.

It's a very nice piece.