I'm very grateful for the information. As to the grips, I thought they were aftermarket add-ons as well until I took them off. They had a large "N" machined into the back of each one, I presume to denote "nickel" like the stamped "N" on the grip frame underneath. As to why an assembler would have to see the "N" to know which revolver to mount white grips to, I don't know. In my email to the seller acknowledging my receipt and satisfaction later, I also asked about the grips and whether or not he had worked on the action (he's a gunsmith, and this one has a much better action than I'm used to), he replied that both were done by the performance center. Whether or not that was just something they put out, or it was because he sent it to them (he is known for upgrading his guns, like having USFA Rodeos engraved and plated), I don't know; hadn't thought to ask.