any update from OP?
I'm late to this party, but wondering since post is several days old if the OP's gun has gone back to the dealer yet, or still languishing betwixt "should I.....shouldn't I"?
Pics below are my 1974 Model 28-2 and of course the serial number on butt is deep, clear, totally legible. Also, the same serial number including the "N" is on the yoke above Mod 28-2, and is also clear, legible (including the N...but my pic is crummy).
I have a FFL and agree with others that the butt serial number is all that legally counts, but I have also been involved with local gun shops with clerks and even owners/managers that are up to date on AR platforms and plastic fantastic, but really have no clue as to Smith wheel guns....that's why I've been called and asked to explain (to a prospective buyer in person) why the numbers shown around the firearm are "real" serial numbers and as you all know, in many instances they are assembly numbers. Yea......there have been some good stories sometimes the buyer really knows but is using "wrong serial numbers, non-matching" to dicker the price down, others (sellers) that don't have proper screwdriver at the counter, and don't want to pull grips...etc.
No long harangue here.....the Op's gun has raised questions in his mind, so what the rest of us think or say doesn't really matter. I will tell you that anything I sell has the same "gentlemen's warranty" in that you don't like it for any reason I'll refund your money provided I get it back exactly as I shipped it to you.
My vote would be to return it to the seller but thank him for being a standup guy....you are really lucky to have a "dealer" like that to work with.
