Too Funny... My first S&W was a BP era. When I first became an LEO in the 70s, we furnished our own guns. Guidance on what was approved was either S&W or Colt, 4 inch barrel, .38 or .357. Nothing else!!! Most carried the S&Ws because they were quality guns and if you were on a budget, a little cheaper than the Colt. Over the years, I have personally owned about 10 S&Ws that were built under the Bangor Punta banner. All were excellent guns.