Just got a really nice 581. Looks unfired, but does have a slight turn line.

However the frame underneath the grips has an N stamped on it. Does this mean the revolver was originally nickle? If so this has been reblued but definitely doesn't look it.
The markings and screw holes show no signs of polishing.

There is also an F3 slightly over stamped on the N. and B5 stamped on the grip and yoke. The other side of the grip frame has an R in a triangle and an I in a circle.
What do these markings signify? Just production codes?

Also, serial # is ACJ23xx. Can anyone tell me when this was made?

Thanks for any help.

ACJ dates to 1983.
Those stamped assembly/inspection marks mean nothing outside the factory. N is one of those marks.
OK with that, but...

__________________
-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Sorry how thoughtless of me....
on the right with some friends....


Thanks for the info.

ETA-originally bought it for a project, but after cleaning it up decided it's too nice.

A factory nickeled 581 would have an N stamped on the rear of the cylinder. On the grip frame they are just assembly stamps. The N in this pic is hard to see, it's at 3:00.

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