markings on 19-3

[Tango 106]

I just got this model 19-3 that has very few rounds through it. Inside and out it shows very little wear , I wouldn't even call it wear. Shoots tight groups. What puzzles me are the stampings in the grip frame. An L in a triangle and an R in a circle on one side and a large 3 with a c, 9, 1 and 7 randomly placed on the left side as well as a symbol that looks like two crossed golf clubs and 7 little tear drop shaped marks by the crossed - whatever. Can anyone offer what all this indicates? I just find it peculiar for all of this to be on a revolver that has seen less tha 100 rounds. Thanks for any help.

 

[fyimo]

The markings are production process control numbers and quality stampings on the frame. The R inside a circle could signify rework at the factory so maybe someone else and confirm this one way or the other.

 

[yukonb]

I have a 19-3 with similar stampings. I emailed S&W and they replied they were in house stampings from the manufacturing process. The R stamp did not mean repair or re-blue.

 

[410bore]

i dont think the R inside a circle is a rework stamp. the R should have been on the left side and not the right

 

[Tango 106]

Thanks for the input, I just could not make sense of so many stampings. I've not seen this number of letters on a revolver in this condition, and the possible indication of a rework or reblue just is not consistent with the condition of the gun. I apprehiate the help very much.

 

[Engine49guy]

As I recall the 3 stamp is on the 357 frames to diferentiate them from 38 frames.
Pretty sure my N frame 44 has a 4 and my 45 has a 5 stamped.