Hi all. I finally brought home the pre-27, 3 1/2 inch barrel Smith. After cleaning it up a bit, I'm very happy with the condition of the pistol. It has a bit of muzzle wear from being carried, and a light ring on the cylinder. The finish is still nice and bright, and the action is like that of a custom pistol. My initial thought was that it was ex-FBI but it seems that the pistol once belonged to an ex-CIA agent named Harry Mustakos. Apparently he was assigned to the India, Laos, Thailand, Tibet area in the 1960's. I wish this pistol could talk. For now, it guards my entry foyer to the house, replacing a 1970's Model 42 that was new in the box. That 42 will be a cornerstone of a new J frame collection I've been thinking about building for the past 40 years. Thanks to all who gave me such great advice. Now I think it needs a blued Model 29-2 6 1/2 to keep it company. Comments are welcome. David
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