This is the revolver I picked up from I think Gunbroker a few weeks back.It was hard to tell in the pics if it had been redone or not so I think that kept the pride pretty low. Also the original grips were missing and someone stuck these funny Robers or Rogers grips on it? ;~)

I really bought the gun for the grips and it was a nice surprise to see how minty it was in person. All the numbers match but the gun was sent back to S&W in 1953 to replace the barrel and refinish complete. The barrel has a matching serial number to the rest of the gun but also has the diamond stamp on it so I am sure it was replaced. The serial number on the front strap of the grip frame also shows the star for the rework.

I dont mind the rework since it was done at Smith and the price was pretty low for a nice shooter wearing a super rare set of original Roper grips in really nice condition. Sorry my pics suck, I need to get my light box set back up.
Matt

Sweet. Those Ropers are a find by themselves, but with a gorgeous .22/.32 to wear them... all I can say is WOW! I hope it turns out to be as good as it looks.

Regards,
Froggie

A lot better pics than I can take. Very nice pistol.
DW

__________________
"NUTS"

It shoots great. I kidnapped it last Sunday.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Wow,very nice! Thanks for shareing that one.

__________________
Stay safe people!

That's really nice. I wouldn't mind a factory refinish on an older gun at all.

__________________
David Wilson

This re-finish is the epitomy of the quality factory work of the past.

Unfortunately 1953 was during the "satin" blue period (unless one paid extra); too late and too early to get a bright factory blue finish.

Does anyone know when Roper stocks were first available?

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Nice gun, those would be the smallest Ropers I've ever seen.

I think I read somewhere that Roper started making stocks sometime slightly before the second WW, perhaps about '36 or so, but don't quote me on it. I agree that these are small compared to most Ropers out there, but that's good... they are proportional to the frame size and go with it perfectly! Just like the gun itself, these are miniaturized to the point where they become an art form. The more I look at the pictures, the more I stand in awe. I wonder if Keith Brown or some other modern wood artist would undertake to make a copy of these for one of the true believers? I wonder whether I could afford it if they did? Jim, I'm trying very hard not to be jealous, but I'm not succeeding very well. I'd love to have the opportunity to shoot a few rounds downrange with that gun.

Froggie

Beautiful gun & grips.
Congrats.

I actually sent Keith an email about making two pair of these but without the thumb rest. One pair for me and one for my dad Jim. Have not heard back from him yet, must be super busy now.
Matt