What is this ?

[westfi1]

I have a revolver I bought used whose origin is a mystery to me. Please see the enclosed image. It is a S&W Model 29-3 .44 Magnum in the N frame round butt configuration. The serial number begins with the letters “ALB” followed by four digits. It has the S&W finger grooved combat grips by Kim Ahrends, a three inch, unported, partial underlug barrel, fluted cylinder, blued finish, case hardened hammer and smooth trigger, white outline adjustable rear sight, and red ramp front sight. I was certain that it was a Lew Horton special, but I called them with the serial number and they said that it was not one of theirs. I didn't think that there were any three inch barreled Model 29s that were not custom runs for one or another of the limited edition distributors. I have not heard that S&W ever cataloged a three inch as a standard M29. Does anyone know what I have here ? Thanks very much in advance for responding.

 

[kimbers rule]

Not sure what it is, but I sure do like the looks!

 

[RJay]

The only 3 inch 29-3 that I can find in the S&W book is the Lew Horton Special, 5000 manufactured in 1984/1985. The book description fits your gun to a T. Unfortunately no serial numbers are listed. I think this is a case for a S&W letter.

 

[9mm]

Looks like a 44magnum

 

[crazy charlie]

You might find some help on on of the 2 S&W forums.

 

[James K]

The ALB serial number dates to November, 1985, which seems to support RJay's information.

Jim

 

[lee n. field]

I have a revolver I bought used whose origin is a mystery to me. Please see the enclosed image. It is a S&W Model 29-3 .44 Magnum in the N frame round butt configuration. The serial number begins with the letters “ALB” followed by four digits. It has the S&W finger grooved combat grips by Kim Ahrends, a three inch, unported, partial underlug barrel, fluted cylinder, blued finish, case hardened hammer and smooth trigger, white outline adjustable rear sight, and red ramp front sight. I was certain that it was a Lew Horton special, but I called them with the serial number and they said that it was not one of theirs. I didn't think that there were any three inch barreled Model 29s that were not custom runs for one or another of the limited edition distributors. I have not heard that S&W ever cataloged a three inch as a standard M29. Does anyone know what I have here ? Thanks very much in advance for responding.

Jinks letter? (S&W company historian, can provide a letter giving information on when it was made, in what configuration, and who it was initially sold to.)