DA 45 condition information request.

[Treebeard1]

Greetings. New member and first time poster. I have been looking for a 45acp revolver to go with my 1911 (to keep the ammo simple) have been looking at S&W models. I have one that I am considering (a non army DA 45 from 1919) that is being offered at a reasonable price. Maybe too reasonable. I do not have much experience with revolvers past owning a GP100 now and having an old 38sp ex police gun back in my traveling youth. I was hoping to get some more experienced eyes on the issue I noticed.

There is what appears to be a crack in the frame next to the firing pin---

Seems like a good deal but to me that looks like a chunk of metal ready to take out my eye and it looking at the parts diagram I think it is part of the frame and thus not replaceable. But like i said I am no revolver expert.

So how would y'all rate this? Wall hanger? Occasional shooter? Or just fine and I am being over-critical?

 

[handejector]

The crack you refer to is merely the sideplate seam. It is NOT a crack.
I looked at that gun.
It is a military 1917. The serial number has been removed from the butt, making it contraband.
Do NOT buy it.

 

[LLOYD17]

The crack you refer to is merely the sideplate seam. It is NOT a crack.
I looked at that gun.
It is a military 1917. The serial number has been removed from the butt, making it contraband.
Do NOT buy it.

Serial number issue notwithstanding, looking past the external side plate seam, is he referring to the crack looking line where the hammer face rests (right side of the firing pin)?

 

[daddio202]

Serial number issue notwithstanding, looking past the external side plate seam, is he referring to the crack looking line where the hammer face rests (right side of the firing pin)?

That piece inside there looks to me like some sort of flattened debris, or piece of lead. It does not look to be part of the frame. Looks like there are some scratch marks underneath it like somebody had been digging in there trying to lift or remove it.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Irrespective of what the condition is, if Lee says don't buy it...then don't buy it.

 

[handejector]

Serial number issue notwithstanding, looking past the external side plate seam, is he referring to the crack looking line where the hammer face rests (right side of the firing pin)?

Maybe so. Missed that in my haste to advise him.
It looks like just a gob of goop. I seriously doubt it is damage.

 

[lamarw]

What is going on with the non-original rear sight?

If there is no serial number on the butt, then we are looking at a parts gun with the frame up for destruction or stripped down and/or made into a paper weight. Not sure how the seller will handle a transfer without a serial number.

A lot has to do with the seller's price and the possible serial number question.

As an aside, I am far less versed on firearms than others who have already posted.

 

[crsides]

that's a wonder sight. Replaces the 5th screw and it does adjust. Do a search here.

 

[Tom K]

What is going on with the non-original rear sight?

If there is no serial number on the butt, then we are looking at a parts gun with the frame up for destruction or stripped down and/or made into a paper weight. Not sure how the seller will handle a transfer without a serial number.

A lot has to do with the seller's price and the possible serial number question.

As an aside, I am far less versed on firearms than others who have already posted.

I wouldn't be surprised if half of the older Smith & Wessons in existence have been sold using the assembly number as a serial. Not that it makes it legal....