I noticed that also but didn't want to sound critical. It's a completely different kind of finish,but that's not gonna change my mind about getting one! The buddy who got me hooked on revolvers and I are both talking about getting one and he's about as big a S&W revolver fan as there is. I have a couple of nice 64's that I thought I would never get rid of,but I might sell one to get a cobra! On the grip issue- I have seen press release type pictures of one with gray g-10 type synthetic grips that look great. I wonder if they are available?