Using the proper sandpaper and sanding techniques you could remove the laser engraving and the previous owner's name quit easily. Have the gun looking just like any other M617-2 when it left the factory. Just stay away from the cylinder. (I'd separated the cylinder from the gun when working on it). All it would take is a $8 investment in a 3M wet/dry sandpaper variety pack from any auto parts store, and maybe 3 to 4 hours of your time.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~