Has 2 inch barrel been replaced on this C series M&P snub-nosed ?

[drcwks]

Has the 2-inch barrel been replaced on this C series M&P?

It appears to me this barrel has a NEWER bluing look to it compared to the rest

of the revolver. Also, wouldn't the front sight from 1948-51 be a half-moon instead of the ramp?

The serial number is C155xxx so about 1948-51. All serial numbers match but there is NO serial number in the flat underside of barrel.

Did a 2 inch in C series always have a serial number under the barrel in the flat? Looks like there is room.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Frailer]

That is indeed a replaced barrel.

Edited to add: I was walking the dog when I typed that. Now that I'm back home and seated, I can give a more complete response.

Both of your assumptions were correct. If that barrel had been original it would have had both a serial number on the barrel flat and a half-moon front sight.

 

[wheelgun610]

Mine is in the C127000 serial range and has the number on the bottom of its (original) barrel. At that time, they also had 'Smith & Wesson' and the caliber roll mark on the left side of the barrel.

 

[DWalt]

Without a barrel SN, the installation would not have been done at S&W.

 

[JP@AK]

The serial number is C155xxx so about 1948-51.

Others have given you good answers regarding the barrel.

This one could have shipped as early as 1950, but most of the nearby serial numbers I've logged are from 1951 and 1952.

 

[drcwks]

Mine is in the C127000 serial range and has the number on the bottom of its (original) barrel. At that time, they also had 'Smith & Wesson' and the caliber roll mark on the left side of the barrel. View attachment 789151

Nice snubnose. Thanks for the picture.
Thanks for the roll mark placement. That was my other question. I knew the differences in finish that it was obvious the barrel was replaced but wasn't 100% sure about the front sight after seeing … I believe … a chiefs special in late 50s with a ramp sight. Thanks all for the replies.