Greetings.

I have a 1951 Target Masterpiece with rough machining marks on the recoil shield at about 11:00 o'clock and 1:00 o'clock. Should these markings be addressed by a smith?

Thanks.

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I just looked at three different guns of mine that were within easy reach. Two were K frame .38s, and a .44 N frame. There's a little variation, but that's to be expected based on how that part of the frame is machined. It won't have any effect on the performance. Certainly nothing you'd need to pay to have 'fixed'. In other words, it ain't broke.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

Welcome! In my observations this is a common finding and since the marks are well away from any moving parts I think it is a cosmetic only issue.

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Alan
SWCA 2023, SWHF 220

Welcome to the Forum from Pennsylvania, Wazimu!
I see nothing in your picture that would distress me.

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Proud NRA Endowment Member

Thanks kindly.

Might it have left the factory like this?

Yes; that is how it left the factory.

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Sceva
OGCA SWCA NRA