Question about a Re Barrel or Re Blue

Dan M · #1 08-28-2009, 05:07 PM

I am looking at a Model of 1950 Target 44 special. In the ejector shroud after the serial Number is a R & B does this mean rebarrel or Reblue? There are no marks for factory rework on the grip frame at all.

Thanks

snw19_357 · #2 08-28-2009, 05:28 PM

Check out this thread.

I believe that's a refinish mark. It is a pretty rare one (usually on left side of grip) but not unheard of. If they replaced the barrel, you'd think they'd stamp the month and year on the frame.

Doc44 · #3 08-28-2009, 07:38 PM

Dan...Some of the early 50 Targets and 44 Magnums had a B for blue or N for nickel stamped in the ejector rod shroud (not many, but a few). The R may mean "rework" due to a manufacturing flaw or broken part that occurred during one of the manufacturing steps and required the revolver be "reworked". It does not necessarily mean a rebarrel or reblue.

Bill

Dan M · #4 08-28-2009, 08:03 PM

Thanks guys,

Bill this one is different the normal B Im used to seeing. Here is a picture. any more thoughts anyone?

thanks

Doc44 · #5 08-29-2009, 08:07 AM

Dan...I believe the B stands for blue finish. The R does indicate some type of rework or possible replacement of a part (probably during initial manufacture since there is no date on the grip frame). I would post the photo on the S&WCA section and ask Roy's opinion.

Bill

Dan M · #6 08-29-2009, 08:17 AM

Thanks Bill

opoefc · #7 08-30-2009, 01:11 AM

R is a repair mark, usually seen on the grip frame, but in this case there must have been some blemish on the barrel and it was pulled off and repaired and the blued again. The blemish may have been in the original bluing, so a reblue was all that was needed. If there had been a fault in the rifling or similar, they would have scrapped the barrel and put on a new one.