Picked this up recently. Looks like S&W did a really nice refinish in 1970. I don't know much about these, generally I am a post WWII guy, but the gun was so pretty, I couldn't resist. I am amazed at the deep deep blue on this gun.

Strangely, when they refinished the gun, they didn't refinish the extractor star. Also note the matte finish on the top strap. I am assuming they did that at the owners request during the refinish.

While I am not overwhelmed with the fit of the grips, I think they look great and have a lot of character.

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Dave

Very nice. Did they "upgrade" the right frame stampings to the four-line version? That seemed to be a common occurrence until our very own Roy Jinks put a stop to the practice.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Wheelgun, if that matte toptrap bothers you, I can ease that dilemna. Nice nice gun. I would letter that boy and make sure it did or did not start life as a target model. 5" 2nd models are scarce and a target would be a super find, refinish or not. I really wouldn't worry about the stag grips fit. That sometimes happens and they add style to that gal. Ever want to rid yourself of it PM me. Enjoy. And yes I agree that bluing is fabulous.
Bob


PS. I noticed you have 45 in your moniker. You have two of the best large bores, 44 & 45. Doesn't get any better than that.

Dave,
Great looking pistol. I have a 2nd model fixed sight with 5 inch barrel that was factory refinished in 72'. The finish looks very much like the finish on yours. Are there any markings on the spcific parts of the gun? Any diamonds or "S" stamped on anything? I am still tying to figure mine out and have yet to letter it to find out if it started out as another caliber. Daniel.

No, thankfully. Here is a picture. I'll have to get a better picture of the right side of the gun, none of those turned out well.

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Dave

Very nice, I'd love to have it (but would replace the stag with custom walnut immediately)

I've never seen a front sight with the small slot on the front sight for silver inlay. Looks like those sights are very precise.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Smith357 helped get some better pictures of the right side, so I added them to the top of the original post.

There is an "S" on the barrel flat as well as 1/2 of what I assume is a diamond.

Any idea why they didn't refinish the extractor star? Would refinishing it effect the timing?

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Dave

Great old gun. Guess they had better eye sight back in those days. At my age (early 60s) I couldn't see those sights to save my rear! (LOL)

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)