I hope this works. I just got my first digital camera, a cheapy.

About 6 years ago I posted about purchasing a RM from Gander Mountain that was priced at $279.99. Boy they had no idea what it was, and I got really lucky. It didn't have the grips it's pictured with, I got them from a fellow forum member, they cost more than the RM !!

Any way lets give it a try. Here's RM reg.1007

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Big Fred

Very nice! What barrel length (my eyeballs says 6.5")?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Super ".357" at a fantastic price.

Bill

So basically you paid a slightly high price for the prewar magnas, and they threw in the RM as a bonus. Nice!

I am envious. Congratulations on a spectactular acquisition.

Is that a replacement tip to the hammer spur? Color and profile are somewhat different from what I would expect. I dimly remember a hammer like that from a year or so ago. Maybe it was this gun.

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David Wilson

The RM is exactly as lettered, except for the grips. 6" barrel, Sheard gold bead front sight, U notch rear sight. The hammer is original and not altered, it is very dark in color not showing case colors, but is the correct grooved hammer, I think my "great" photography skills are just making it look a little different.

It was one of three ordered for the Windber PD. The Gander Mountain where I purchased it is not far from Windber so it didn't travel far from it's first home.

It's got a rework star and a date of 4-51. I have no idea why it went back. It shows a LOT of holster wear, but no major rust, just some small areas of pin point pits. That small PD probably had it in use for a long time.

It is a shooter and I do shoot it, and love shooting it. I also have a NRM that is a shooter too.

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Big Fred

Hmmm... They sold it for $280... I wonder how much they paid the unsuspecting widow who brought it in?

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No life story has happy end.

I have to say...those grips look FABULOUS on it.

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Dave

And I thought I did good getting a poorly nickeled 3.5" for $500 a couple years back! Good eye! I've scored several RM parts and grips that were 'under-described'. The sellers were always happy to get their asking price.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

That is an amazing gun for that price! Even with the cost of the grips!! Quite possibly the best "sleeper" I've ever heard of!

The satin appearing finish is indicative of a Smith factory finish (and refinishes) of the 1951 era as opposed to the mirror bright blue of a pre war Smith, especially an RM.

However, a photo of the left side of the grip frame might give us a few clues as to the reason for the factory return trip. Are there any diamonds marked on the barrel or cylinder in the vicinity of the serial #s?

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Jim
S&WCA #819

45Wheelgun, I'm really happy I could finally let you see where they went. They fit the revolver wonderfully and match the overall condition well. THANKS.

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Big Fred

Hondo, No diamonds stamped anywhere. What does a diamond stamp mean?

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Big Fred

In that 1951 era and earlier, parts replaced at the factory were stamped with the matching serial number to the gun and a small diamond indicating that they were factory replaced.

I have added to my post above to include my observation of the finish which IMHO was the most likely reason it went back to Smith. Usually stamped on the left grip frame near the date would be a rectangle with the letters R-S in it. This would indicate Refinish-Standard. This was preceeded by the earlier stamping of a diamond with an N, B or S for Nickel, Blue or Standard.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Great looking RM. I bet Gander Mountain knows what to look for now!
David

Well don't shed too many tears for GM as they will make it up on the next new gun or box of ammo
Congrats on a once in a lifetime bargain.

Hondo... good information.. how does this affect the value of such a gun?? IE. Factory re-blue.. barrel change etc??

Thanks..

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

Amazing!! That is truly a once in a lifetime find. I wonder how long it had been sitting there before you recongnized it?

Any rework/refinish will reduce value but factory work least of all. If the gun still matches the configuration, original barrel length, stocks, etc., as listed in a factory letter, the less the value is depreciated.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

You stole that one! Congrats on your find.

Very nice!! Wish I only had to pay $300 for mine.