I purchased this M18-4 from a gunsmith on GI for $500 delivered and I note the price as it was very relevant to my purchase. I honestly believe the barrel, cylinder and latch to be from a different gun. I noticed a slight color differential in the 4 photos posted and later had a good conversation with the seller about that issue and he commented he knew little about the history of this revolver other than he had changed the TH and TT because someone had buggered it up. I should note this gun came with the original box. I was wondering if the green or yellow dot's indicate service rendered by S&W ? The barrel besides being a different bluing is also raw steel on the face of the forcing cone. The seller thought if S&W had replaced the barrel they may have had to shave it down to make the proper tolerance which he measured well under the normal 4000 th of an inch to close to what it actually is, 2000 th of an inch. In the second photo I was also wondering if the "S" in the triangle indicates A S&W repair ? As you might be able to see the color of the cylinder is also different.

Sorry for the run on thread but bottom line would anyone know if S&W would go to this extent to make this gun right? While at first being disappointed I called the gunsmith and he offered to take the gun back but I have never gone down that road and decided to keep it as is. He mentioned that he slicked up the single action and it is obvious the action has been worked on. The other reason for keeping it for a nice shooter is that I feel the seller was being honest with me. All thoughts, comments and opinions welcome. I came up with 1982 for date of Mgf. please confirm if you would.

Attached Images

	S&W M18-3 .22 LR SN#AAS3334 DOB 10-82 002.jpg (67.0 KB, 50 views)
	S&W M18-4 Box 003.jpg (57.0 KB, 57 views)
	S&W M18-3 .22 LR SN#AAS3334 DOB 10-82 003.jpg (81.4 KB, 61 views)
	S&W M18-3 .22 LR SN#AAS3334 DOB 10-82 005.jpg (71.3 KB, 55 views)
	S&W M18-3 .22 LR SN#AAS3334 DOB 10-82 021.jpg (83.0 KB, 57 views)

As I have deduced over the years... The color dots were inventory codes from factory or distributor. The S on the frame indicates the gun was returned for service. Of course, the factory will go to all ends to make the gun right... the raw steel on end of barrel was from fitting the barrel cylinder gap. The special order numbers indicate the year (thinking 84) and the Julien date which appears to be the 109th day of 1984. It appears your barrel and cylinder have been replaced.

The "S" in the triangle is an inspector's stamp, as is the 'circle C' (?) to the left and are not service/repair/rework marks.

Thank You, That is good information, I am still trying to establish if S&W did the work although at this point I have taken ownership but would still like to know the origin of the work in the event that I decide to sell it as I also own a very nice M18-3.

This gun predates S&W's Lifetime Service Policy. They may be unwilling to pay the freight both ways.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~