Refinished or not?

ladder13 · #1 05-01-2009, 07:04 AM

GB 128040472
The grips look much too worn for the gun they're mounted on. What'ya think?

DCWilson · #2 05-01-2009, 07:20 AM

Definitely worth asking a question or two of the seller. I'd say it is probably refinished.

The buy-it-now price strikes me as low for a Heavy Duty with original finish as good as that one seems to be. But then I look at revolver prices through California eyes.

Are we certain those stocks are numbered to that gun? That cylinder and barrel numbers match the frame?

I hope the HD guys drop in with comments. I'll change my mind if they see it otherwise, but this one doesn't feel original to me.

deadin · #3 05-01-2009, 07:53 AM

There's too many "bells" that would make me wary on this one.
First there are, as mentioned, the grips. They are just too rough for the rest of the gun.
Second the seller isn't making any claims as to the finish. Sometimes what isn't said is louder than what is.
I also find it interesting that he doesn't show the portion of the factory letter that verifies(or doesn't, as the case may be)

#4 05-01-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

128040472

While it isn't entirely unusual for the Stocks of a Duty gun to show more wear than the gun itself I would frankly want some better close-ups of this gun before I would even consider it.

Some times the wear on the Stocks comes from the sides of the Stocks rubbing up against the body and the Officers' jacket. Also, I've known many PPC shooters and just LEOs who have simply found the Factory checkering to be too rough for long strings of shooting and they would simply sand them down to make them more comfortable and "Practical" for their usage.

1Aspenhill · #5 05-01-2009, 08:24 AM

I asked the seller and the serial number of the gun is in the 49000 range and it most likely left with Magnas. In my opinion, the grips are not original and if the finish is, it needs better grips on it. Also check out the flat head screw right above the grips, it should be a rounded screw head.
Hope that helps,
Bill

Peter M. Eick · #6 05-02-2009, 03:54 AM

Another Nickeled 38/44 HD.

Sigh......

As much as I like 38/44's I still can't cotton to a nickeled finish on a Smith.

Back to the topic, I tend to agree with Bill on the screws. They are not right and I would be cautious and inspect carefully.

ladder13 · #7 05-02-2009, 06:09 AM

Never really thought about bidding on the firearm, just making an observation about the condition. Looks liks a re-nickle to me. Thanks for all the expert help.