Over the past several years, I have acquired two NIB 649's made in 1985. When I removed the grips on both of them to clean and oil the revolvers, I noticed that as expected, the grips were not numbered to the guns. But what I didn't expect to find was a dark blue/purple stain on the inside of the grips. The stain is on approximately 1/3 of the grip. You cannot see the stain with the grips on and no metal part of the revolver handgrip/frame have the stain. Since both revolvers have the identical looking stain, I can only assume that it was done at the factory. Does anybody have an idea what might have caused the stain? Thanks in advance for your help.

Do yours look like this?

__________________
"I also cook."

Yep, exactly like that! TXS for the picture.

ACCO, I also ran across a just about NIB no dash last summer. AFN 0656. Special Order code of 4332. My magnas are also stained blue on the inside. Curious if your S/N's are close to mine.

One is AFN 0XXX and the other ALA XXXX. Both manufactured in 1985 from what I have read. Thanks for sharing your information.

ACCO, On the box is a special order #. It is a Julian date of manufacture. Mine is 4332 which translates to the 332 nd day of 1984. If you have the boxes you can confirm mfr date.

The stain looks like the water soluble cutting/metal working lube that was used in the tool room in a past life.

I doubt it was intentionally put there.

__________________
"I also cook."

One is 4331 (Nov 26, 1984) and the other 5267 (Sep 24, 1985). So about 10 months apart.

ACCO,
Thanks for the date. Yours was made one day before mine. Very cool. I have the original magnas in the box. Put these presentation stocks on it.

Very nice looking!!! Now I am compelled to find new stocks for mine. Where did you get yours?