357 Magnum Club Gun

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TheTinMan

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This looks like a Model of 1950 to me. However, it was re-worked by Smith & Wesson in December of 1950 based on the markings on the left grip frame. The same serial number starting with “0” appears on the frame, barrel, cylinder and crane. The ejector has a different serial number.

IMG_3464.jpeg

I don’t know if the small diamond at the back, bottom corner has any significance. Same with the “46” up near the trigger guard.
 
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diecidecimi said:
Maybe here the answer

M

Thread 'different markings and stampings under the grips.'

I always notice different stampings and makings ( numbers and letters ) under the grips of most if not all S&W revolvers. Do they mean anything? Or just inspectors markings?
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I can add one tidbit to Hondo44’s encyclopedia. My 1956 44 Magnum has “R-Bi” in a rounded corner square in the left grip frame. Roy Jinks told me it indicates a bright blue refinish job. Done in February 1976.
 
Retired W4 said:
The diamond and the 12.50 are rework marks. I'm not sure but the 46 may be a stamp of the guy that did the work. I'll defer to the experts on that one. The cokes, while not original to the gun, are a real plus.
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Based on that old thread, the diamond would be consistent with replacing the ejector.

I didn’t think that the grips were original to the gun either but they fit perfectly. They also are in great shape 😎 Is it possible they came from the factory on this revolver or would any 357 Magnum Model of 1950 have either Magnas or diamond service grips?
 
TheTinMan said:
Based on that old thread, the diamond would be consistent with replacing the ejector.

I didn’t think that the grips were original to the gun either but they fit perfectly. They also are in great shape 😎 Is it possible they came from the factory on this revolver or would any 357 Magnum Model of 1950 have either Magnas or diamond service grips?
Click to expand...

Magnas were standard on the .357 Magnum, post WW II.
 
Since your gun has the 12.50 service date, its too early for cokes. They didn't appear until around 1955. I'm sure it probably shipped with magnas, but those cokes are still a big plus.
 
Fabulous 5”.
Those craftsmen were real artists.
My 5” 27-2 is one that I intend to double up on at some point.
Maybe I should be looking for an older S prefix like this one.
Plus, I don’t get own anything with cokes… I have to realize this is a lifetime thing and re-learn patience again!!!
 
mh51 said:
Since your gun has the 12.50 service date, its too early for cokes. They didn't appear until around 1955. I'm sure it probably shipped with magnas, but those cokes are still a big plus.
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I bought a set of Cokes a couple months ago then played "musical grips" to get proper grips on a 1956 44 Magnum and a 29-1. However, that left me with a 4-screw 29 (no dash) wearing diamond targets so now I need to hunt for correct 1950-ish Magnas to do another swap and get all of my 44s dressed correctly.
 
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