I think it is called "melanite" or somesuch. They put it on several stainless guns, 686's etc. It shows scratches quickly and holster wear is exaggerated so it got DC'd pretty quick. I'm sure the more knowledgeable here can supply more info. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Yep, the guns in question are Melonite coated 5946's. They are RCMP or other Canadian law enforcement guns imported back into the US. The Canadians love their DAO Smiths (and you can't blame them!). Otherwise they are simply tried and true Smith & Wessons. The price is reasonable for the amount of holster wear.

Those guns look pre-melonite. They appear to have a shake-n-bake coating on them. Maybe Black-T or something similar. Melonite doesn't usually wear like that.

Touche.

I know the RCMP has ordered T&E Melonite guns in the past. I wonder if this was done at S&W or by the original buyer / wholesaler / department?

Those pistols were made before 1998. Smith (or anybody else) wasn't using melonite back then. The factory had some kind of coating back then called "Midnight Black" that had poor wear qualities. That might be what is on them. Otherwise, it could be something by Robar or Birdsong.