Ive read quite a few posts now trying to sort out where my M58 fits in the production run. Fortunately when i bought my 58 it came with a 2 page S&W Historical letter which starts with a description of the models introduction stating "the factory felt could fill the vacancy in their catalog line by the elimination of the.44 Military Model of 1950(Model 22), introduced in July of 1964 at approximately S255700.,continued in production until 1978 with a total production of 20,287 units.") Signed by Roy O Jinks,, June 12 2007. The serial number of my gun is S2590xx. The letter further states the gun was" shipped from our factory on March 28, 1966 and delivered to Dakin Sporting Goods Co, Bangor, Me. So between 7/64 and 3/66 just 330 ish guns were sold.
Further during my purchase the salesman told me it had been carried by a ""one cop town" and the finish attests to that. It`s a good gun still, shoots point of aim at 10 yds with 170gr jkt and home cast 200 gr Kieth style lyman#2.I bought the gun 2/12/13,