That really is a jewel!! Wow. You stole it for that price! I personally would not reblue the entire gun, just the barrel. The front sight is easy to fix as you said.
I like it and would buy two at that price.

It looks like nice enough work (once you reblue the barrel) to have a factory appearance. Is the barrel rib grooved? That would be the indicator of a non-factory sight installation. But if it's not factory so what! There's no way you could supply a gun and have the work done for anwhere near that price.

You got a great shooter and for a song.

Must be a J series serial number. But still has a pinned barrel so pre 1982. The factory combat grips are cool. You did a nice job on those.

That's a COOL custom made wide target hammer and longer than factory as well; probably a K or N frame target hammer spur welded on. I'd strip the blue off with rust remover. A real light coat of cold blue, quickly applied and wiped off will give it a worn case color look.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819