TACC1, I think when Roy says it was modified after leaving the factory he is referring only to the shortened barrel. It sounds to me as though it shipped with standard square butt Regulation Police stocks. When somebody put the small round butt stocks on it, they didn't fill in the recess in the grip frame, so that's why "the wood sticks out to the rear of the backstrap" as you said above.

I think I am interpreting your description correctly, but if I sound as though I am off target, maybe you could post another photo of the gun from the back, so we can see the interplay between frame and stocks. And maybe another photo with the stocks off, so we can see the profile of the grip frame.

I agree that you have a fine little shooter. The interest in Terriers and the modified RPs like yours must have contributed to S&W's decision to introduce the Chiefs Special in 1950.

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David Wilson