Smith and Wesson Model 29 Serial Numbers: A Guide for Collectors
The Smith and Wesson Model 29 is a legendary revolver that has been featured in movies, books, and TV shows. It is also a highly sought-after firearm by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its history, craftsmanship, and power. But how can you tell the age and value of your Model 29 based on its serial number? In this article, we will explain how to identify and date your Smith and Wesson Model 29 by using its serial number and other features.
smith and wesson model 29 serial numbers
What is the Smith and Wesson Model 29?
The Smith and Wesson Model 29 is a six-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge. It was introduced in 1955 as the most powerful production handgun at the time, capable of delivering a muzzle energy of over 900 foot-pounds. The Model 29 was designed by Elmer Keith, a famous gun writer and hunter who wanted a more powerful handgun for hunting large game. The .44 Magnum cartridge was developed from the .44 Special by increasing the case length and pressure. The Model 29 can also fire .44 Special and .44 Russian cartridges, which are less powerful but more manageable.
The Model 29 was offered with various barrel lengths, ranging from 3 to 10 + 58 inches. The most common barrel lengths were 4, 6 + 12 , and 8 + 38 inches. The finish options included blued or nickel-plated steel. The grips were usually made of wood, but some models had rubber or synthetic grips. The sights were adjustable rear and fixed front.
The Model 29 gained worldwide fame when it was used by Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry Callahan in the 1971 movie Dirty Harry. In the movie, Callahan described his gun as the most powerful handgun in the world and the only thing that can stop a maniac. The popularity of the movie boosted the sales of the Model 29, which became a symbol of power and authority. The Model 29 also appeared in other movies, such as Magnum Force, The Enforcer, Sudden Impact, The Dead Pool, Taxi Driver, Scarface, and The Terminator.
How to Identify Your Smith and Wesson Model 29 by Serial Number
The serial number of your Smith and Wesson Model 29 can tell you a lot about its history and value. The serial number is usually located on the bottom of the grip frame, but it may also be found on the inside of the crane or on the butt of the frame. The serial number consists of a letter prefix followed by a number. The letter prefix indicates the model number and the year of production. The number indicates the order of production within that year.
The following table shows the letter prefixes and their corresponding model numbers and years of production for the Smith and Wesson Model 29:
Letter PrefixModel NumberYear of Production
SPre-Model 291955-1969
NModel 291970-1983
AAA-ABZModel 29-31983-1987
BAA-BZZModel 29-41987-1993
CAB-CZZModel 29-51993-1997
DAA-DZZModel 29-61997-2004
EAA-EZZModel 29-72004-2006
FDA-FZZModel 29-82006-2010
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