IMHO, the Bangor Punta era was not bad at all for S&W. In fact, most of my N-frame revolvers (Model 25-2, 27-2s, 28-2s, 29-2s, and 57) are from the 1970s and are extremely well made and nicely finished. So is my 1973 Texas Ranger Commemorative set with Model 19-3. I won't say that the BP-era revolvers are as beautiful or nicely hand fitted as the early .44 HEs, Reg Mags, .357 Magnums, or early .44 Magnums...but they are darn nice and dependable. The latest manufacture date of my vintage N-frames is 1980- I believe just before LSC took control. I think that the Bangor Punta acquisition turned out much better for S&W than the AMF takeover was for Harley Davidson!