I recently picked up a S&W New Model No. 3 with the Australian mark on the butt and cut for a shoulder stock. It is a nickel gun in fine plus condition original condition except for two problems. First, the grips have been replaced with old custom wood ones which flare back at the butt giving it more the shape of a Colt SAA rather than the original rounded shape. Second, the nickel is original, I think, and 90% there but someone lightly and partially jeweled one side of the gun. So, can someone tell me if this jeweling can be buffed out somehow, and two where I might find an original set of Smith rubber grips or failing that an attractive set of repros? Any other comments on a gun like this would also be appreciated. Lawlor2

I recently picked up a S&W New Model No. 3 with the Australian mark on the butt and cut for a shoulder stock. It is a nickel gun in fine plus condition original condition except for two problems. First, the grips have been replaced with old custom wood ones which flare back at the butt giving it more the shape of a Colt SAA rather than the original rounded shape. Second, the nickel is original, I think, and 90% there but someone lightly and partially jeweled one side of the gun. So, can someone tell me if this jeweling can be buffed out somehow, and two where I might find an original set of Smith rubber grips or failing that an attractive set of repros? Any other comments on a gun like this would also be appreciated. Lawlor2

The jeweling may have been to conceal finish damage, it is quite unlikely anything can be done with it as there is very little thickness to the plting to begin with, just a few microns, there just isn't any leeway to allow polishing to correct flaws.

For grips lok at these: http://www.gungrip.com/detail_G29__2...%20Wesson.html

You didn't say Northeast what, US, Australia? If you are out of the US there may be export issues.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Thanks for the comments. I am following up on the grips. As I said, the jeweling was very lightly applied so I tried Flitz on it and the jeweling is now barely visable and the gun looks much much better.

I know this is an old thread, that piece would have been nickel carrying the broad arrow mark. The Australian contract guns, approx 280 of them were in the serial number range 12000-13000. I would not mess with whatever finish she is carrying now. If you can locate her holster plus the shoulder stock and its ''holster'' you are onto a big winner. Theres one up for sale in England, asking price of 13,000 pounds sterling.
Its in immaculate condition, have seen the photos. I am very tempted, but cant afford the divorce that would follow.

We can all understand the logic, there.

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