Model 39 Questions

[Cyrano]

At Houston this weekend I found a steel frame 39, from the second of three batches that was produced. It has an alloy backstrap (S&W refers to this part as the 'insert'). is this original? It came in a box. whose label indicated 'Steel' in the Special Features block. The box contained a spare mag and a cleaning rod. Was a screwdriver also included originally?

 

[AUTOMATIC S&W]

I have a Steel Frame with alloy back strap, 60XXX. I have a Jinks letter stating " In later serial number range the back strap insert was made of an aluminum alloy"

The tools should include a screw driver

 

[Cyrano]

Thanks, Automatic. Mine is in the same serial number block. I guess these came with the alloy 'insert'.