For me, it is more what the pin, or lack thereof, symbolizes. I have no doubt the reason for eliminating barrel pinning was economic -- it saves production cost. Good arguments can be made that the no-pin method is better. Good arguments can be made that the pinned barrels are superior. Take your pick.

But it is in some way satisfying to me that the pin gives proof positive that there used to be just a little bit more of a human touch in the making of a revolver. Somebody had to care, just a little bit more, that things were done right.

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Pisgah