The old guy with the slight turn line doesn't post much, but here's an interesting one. From my brother's estate, there was this N frame, serial number S169701, oil finished cokes, with a 45 colt cylinder, and a barrel marked 45 cal Model of 1955. This revolver was inherited by an older brother and he had no interest in my story until this week. Seems my deceased brother longed for a Smith in 45 Colt around 1992 and couldn't find one. He told me he was going to find the parts to make one out of an old 44 he had. I asked him not to. Well, apparently he did so. I believe this revolver left the factory as a pre 29, 4 inch, but that conversation happened a long time ago. Another problem is, the brother that now owns the gun reports he has found a recessed 44 cylinder and 3 44 barrels. (1, 4 inch and 2, 6 1/2 inch) I can't remember whether it was 4 or 6. (No, I don't feel lucky.)The frame is a 4 screw with no model marking, just serial and assembly numbers. I examined the gun and there are no numbers for the barrel, et al, but the 44 cylinder finish is an exact match for the frame. The finish on all 3 44 barrels matches, but the amount of wear matches on both a 4 inch and a 6 1/2. I will send for a factory letter as soon as I can get my printer to print the pictures in color again, and maybe we'll get this sorted out.

If none of the barrels have a serial number in the ejector rod cutout there are other ways to estimate the barrels age,
A 50's-60's era barrel will have the front site ramp pinned to the barrel rib
(this changed later to being integral)

Another good clue is the style of ampersand used in the barrel roll stamps.

If you can post pics of all three barrels side by side showing both sides as well as the front site ramp from above maybe we can narrow it down a bit

Thanks. I'll have to get with Charlie, as he has everything. If I can get him to send me some pics, I'll post them.

Observations. The 45 cylinder in it now is most likely a reamed model 27 cylinder as it looks recessed because of how tight the rear of the cylinder is to the recoil shield. It is to short to be made from a 44 mag cylinder as the barrel extension is much to long for a 44 mag cylinder. None of the factory 45 colt cylinders were recessed.

I am a 45 colt fan myself. Have converted a couple of 629-1s to 45 colt.

As an SWCA member you can post the barrel length question to the "Ask Roy Jinks" section. He may enjoy solving the mystery or ask you for a letter request but having the serial number on one of the barrels would help too .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks all. As soon as I can find the form, I'll just send for a factory letter. The gun will never leave the family, but we'll know how it left the factory. Then, if brother Charlie wants to restore it, he can. I'm thinking he will. If Charlie has to have a .45 Colt, I have a NIB 25-5 from 1980 he can talk me out of.

Mr. Slight Turn Line 69, that is an interesting gun. If you post more pix, please take and upload them so they appear right side up, as there does not seem to be a way to rotate them on a viewing computer. Hard to read markings upside down.

Update to the messed up 29. The letter came back as a 4 inch, pre 29 that shipped in 1957.

Here are the photos turned right side up.

Are those Cokes? Might be the angle but they look more like Diamond Targets to me, but I am probably mistaken

Attached Images

	44Right.jpg (100.9 KB, 34 views)
	Left.jpg (108.7 KB, 35 views)
	Stocks.jpg (128.8 KB, 68 views)

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Sceva
OGCA SWCA NRA

They appeared to be targets to me when I read the OP

Yes, I believe they are. The checkered area is larger than the DT's.

No expert, but I'd bet on refinished "cokes."

Jeff
SWCA #1457

The stocks are "cokes". I compared them to other 44 magnums and pre 29's in our family collection.