m58 questions

[Pilgrim]

I just recently got a very nice M58 with all the original stuff...box/papers/holster, etc. (lousy pics of a really nice gun)

I have no reason to believe it's been messed with.

I read where the magna stocks for the 58 are different than magna stocks for other N frames as the bottoms are rounded up rather than squarish.

If that's an accurate statement, then mine are made for the 58. They are rounded more than the diamond magnas I have on my early 28.

Upon removing them, I find the number in the stock doesn't match the number of the gun. Would this be normal or would this indicate they had been changed?

The box end indicates an "S" or '5'" for stock type. What does this indicate?

Did longer barrel lengths have this type or was it just for carry guns?

Did any other N frames have this type of stock? If not, I wonder why not? Also if not, they must be VERY hard to come by.

sorry for all the dumb questions, but this little (?) gun has me fascinated.

 

[Art Doc]

All 58s have 4" barrels.

The S may be for Standard.

The M520 made only in 1980 is the only other N frame with this stock style.

The serial on the wood should match the gun. If an ex-cop gun, the department armorer may have swapped the wood between guns.

Yes, these can be hard to find and command a premium.

 

[hsguy]

If I recall the "S" stands for service stocks which would be Magna style.