Ok, here is the deal. I got a great deal on this pistol but I am trying to figure out exactly what it is.

On the heel of the frame, the serial number is "S 160XXX". Inside where the crane meets the frame, there are some numbers. There is a "2" that is slightly above the numbers "73805". There is what looks to be a "9" on what would be the next lower line.

It is chambered in .45 ACP and uses the moon clips.

Currently there is a barrel that has flat sides on it (ala PPC style) that measures 5.427" in front of the frame.

I'm not sure how to determine exactly what frame (i.e., K or N frame) this is but it is about what I remember being an N frame size.

There is the typical Smith and Wesson markings on the lower portion of the right hand side...however there is no large Smith and Wesson logo on the right hand side plate nor on the left side.

The frame has a pin that runs from side-to-side approximately 1/2" from where the frame meets the barrel.

The action is absolutely fantastic on this. The double-action is as slick as butter and the single is crisp and clean.

Anybody have any ideas about this.

[img width=375 height=500]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/Paints-n-cows/8eb3bfbf.jpg[/img]
[img width=500 height=375]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/Paints-n-cows/1a9a7331.jpg[/img]

Ok, here is the deal. I got a great deal on this pistol but I am trying to figure out exactly what it is.

On the heel of the frame, the serial number is "S 160XXX". Inside where the crane meets the frame, there are some numbers. There is a "2" that is slightly above the numbers "73805". There is what looks to be a "9" on what would be the next lower line.

It is chambered in .45 ACP and uses the moon clips.

Currently there is a barrel that has flat sides on it (ala PPC style) that measures 5.427" in front of the frame.

I'm not sure how to determine exactly what frame (i.e., K or N frame) this is but it is about what I remember being an N frame size.

There is the typical Smith and Wesson markings on the lower portion of the right hand side...however there is no large Smith and Wesson logo on the right hand side plate nor on the left side.

The frame has a pin that runs from side-to-side approximately 1/2" from where the frame meets the barrel.

The action is absolutely fantastic on this. The double-action is as slick as butter and the single is crisp and clean.

Anybody have any ideas about this.

[img width=375 height=500]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/Paints-n-cows/8eb3bfbf.jpg[/img]
[img width=500 height=375]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/Paints-n-cows/1a9a7331.jpg[/img]

Sounds like a pre-model 26 or 25 that someone messed with and put an aftermarket barrel on. Some of the dumb things I see done to otherwise nice Smiths really makes you want to cry sometimes!

Wow that is a shame to see such a nice gun with that barrel but if you got a deal it may still be a great shooter.

Welcome to the forum. It’s a modified refinished N frame, made around 1956-57. It could have been a .357 Magnum (Pre-Model 27) based on the topstrap checkering, but the sight doesn’t look right and it could be gunsmith checkered (it could be any 56-57 N frame). The barrel pin seems to be in a non-standard position (gunsmith work). The S prefix was used on N frames (signifying the hammer block safety) from about 1946 to 1969, when the N prefix started. The numbers in the yoke area are assembly numbers and inspector marks. It looks like a great shooter!

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I had someone tell me that they thought that it might pre-25...and that he had a barrel that says 1955 barrel. Does it sound correct to anyone?

Post some better photos of the top strap checkering. The only factory checkered TS at the time was the .357 Magnum. I'd shoot it and leave it as is (maybe different stocks).

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It came with slick (no checkering) oversize grips like you would find on a standard 29. The finish is very worn on them but they have the S&W emblem on them.

Here is a couple pics of the topstrap and the grips.

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Compare these pictures of the top strap checkering on a .357 Magnum and some Model 27s to yours. I now think your gun started life as a different N frame, possibly a fixed sight gun. A factory letter would tell, but it doesn’t really matter. I’d spend the $30 on ammo.

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