I saw that Ultra Sportsman auction and assumed that the plum discoloration was indicative of a refinish (which it often is).

I said No Thanks as it passed the $1100 mark, Ultra or no.

What I personally would like to find is the 3" Sportsman Defender. I just think they're plain cool. 🙂 And they'd have been a nasty little surprise to have been under the store counter in pre penicillin days.

And another note- Thanks Bring Guns for the info about the serrated front strap on my 199. I knew there couldn't have been many, because I've looked at LOTS over the years, and I was pretty sure it was a factory mod as well for the reasons previously stated.

So thanks for some confirmation there.