Recently picked this up at a local show. S136xxx indicates 1954-1955 era.
All numbers match, excellent carry up, tight lockup, perfect bore, all screws look unturned, no rust, no pits or gouges, top strap has very minimum flame cuts. All and all a very good pre model# 357 magnum.
Just don't understand what happened to the blueing?

______
~Terry~

Just consider yourself fortunate my friend, on the no gouges, rust and pits, I've found that the more desirable a firearm is the more likely it holds a few of those boo boos. Billy Magg

How about a thorough cleaning, followed by a gentle polish with Flitz, and a final finish of Renaissance Wax to see what happens? If you can restore it this way, then great; if not, then a trip to Ron?s Gun Shop. Antique Gun Restoration, Gun Bluing and Custom Gun Blueing Services, which I have used on several occassions, will restore that fine piece back to its former glory.

Looks like someone might have mistakenly believed that cold blue
would put a nice finish on an entire gun and so removed what original
blue was left of a worn finish with fine steel wool. If it were mine I
would probably try a good cold blue product as my first option. Can't
hurt to try.

It shows many years of holster wear and use. But it is not abused. Clean it , wax it, and leave it alone. Shoot it. The gun has a lot of character.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Looks FINE to me

a very nice find..i just recently found my birthday gun...a pre 27 3.5"barrel shipped 7-18-54...just ten days from my birthday!

__________________
SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

Thanks Kennyb -- which side of the S136xxx SN is yours? , Might give me some idea when mine was shipped.

Thanks
________
~~Terry~

I have a 3844 that is similar

ar

__________________
Tommy

I think I actually like em better that way. There's no reason not to use em the way they were meant to be used. Cool as heck man.

Here is a picture in an old S.D. Myres that is actually marked 3 1/2 on the back. It is nice not to have to be concerned about wearing the finish.
I think this will be my working gun for a while now




___________
~~Terry~~~