I recently received this gun from a friend and need some advice. The gun is in pretty rough condition with very little bluing left and also some pitting on the end of the barrel and frame. The serial number is 31542. Could anyone give me an idea of the age of the gun and whether it would be worth the money to send it back to S&W for re-conditioning or just let a local gunsmith re-blue it. Any advice would be appreciated.

Looks like about 1953-54 production / shipment via SCSW3...I can't say what you should do but I would not consider the gun 'rare'...maybe worth a trip back for a nice refinish, however (?) but that is another $200+.

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Run Fast, Bite Hard!

I have seen some before/after pics of guns sent back to S&W and all I can say is WOW!!!
If you can afford it, a trip home for the gun is worth it.

Of course some will advise you to just shoot it as is.
Oil it generously & the rust will be kept at bay.

(But personally? I'd send it back to S&W)

That's just my $.02 worth

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John 3:17
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Send it back. That puppy is over 50 years old and needs a 'make-over'.

I think you should take pictures now, send it back and show those when it gets back.

Keep it as is and use it as a classy CC piece