I appreciate Jim's knowledge and observations. It looks like the stainless model I bought must have been in the early 80's. The 1st series, marked Stratford Conn. blued one that I now have is serial numbered 609XXX. The roll marks and finish are really nice, like Jim observed. The finish compares to early S&W revolvers. I've owned 3 of the first series revolvers and all were of very good quality and dependable. Like all small alloy framed revolvers, I consider them a carry a lot and shoot little guns.