Model 40 sow's ear...

[Trebor Snave]

Well, it's not quite a sow's ear, but it's not quite a silk purse either. A few years ago I had the desire and the funds so I found an old model 40 on GB for a price I liked. As near as I can tell it's a mid-60's gun, my only J-frame S&W.



If you look close, you'll notice that it's not exactly as it came from the factory; someone put a newer version cylinder release on it and relieved the grips to make it work. When you look at the other side, it gets worse and you'll understand why the price was low.



I have no freakin' CLUE what they thought they were doing. The sideplate is dished out in that spot beyond any hope of fixing. Fortunately, it doesn't affect the workings of the little fireball. I really ought to put some cold blue on it just to make it a little less obvious.

I'd like to start carrying it, but I just don't like the T-grip/high horn combination. I'd like to keep the high horn and see that Spegel makes them, but if I'm reading right, not for the grip safety Centennials? Guess I need to call and ask him. It looks like they would cover up most of that blemish. I like Ahrends as well, but they don't appear to have the high horn design that I can tell. Any other suggestions? I would like something with some figure in it, perhaps a fancy cocobolo or birdseye maple.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[BlackAgnes]

More likely, the cylinder release is original and the high-horn grips are from an earlier model, relieved to fit.

 

[semperfi71]

That....is a perfect concealed carry handgun.

If it is used in a shooting the officers will confiscate it. If you are "clean" you may, or may not get it back.

Much better than a fancy, high-dollar self-defense arm.

As well you can shoot it to your heart's desire and never worry over its finish.

When you decide to sell it I bet you get your money back and maybe then some.

Congratulations on a good buy.

 

[M29since14]

More likely, the cylinder release is original and the high-horn grips are from an earlier model, relieved to fit.

I would think so too.

I don't think there is much one could do with stocks to hide that imperfection on the sideplate. Other than replacing the sideplate it is probably a use-as-is proposition - which is not all bad! I have a little Model 40 of about the same era and it must be too nice to use because I never do. So it goes both ways.

 

[H Richard]

Black Agnes is correct. Probably early grips from when they had a flat type cylinder release. This no dash one from 1972 shows the most probable grips that were on it..

 

[deanodog]

I like that "ol sow's ear". I have bought several "finish challenged" revolvers that locked up tight and timed right at a reduced price and I was never disappointed. I want to shoot and enjoy them without worrying about scratching them.

 

[Babalooie]

I wonder if that worn spot may have come from a Barami Hip Grip.

 

[Sebago Son]

My guess would be removal of a personalization of some sort. Name, SSI no., etc. Perhaps even an evidence tag number.

 

[hotrod150]

The s/n would likely tell the tale regarding the thumb piece being original or not. Nice centennial BTW except for a little too much "character" on the sideplate. I'm sure you could find a replacement if you tried, but I'm not sure if it would require some fitting.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I had a buddy (LEO) who had a revolver with a similar issue on the sideplate. I thought his solution was excellent - the spot on his was about the size of a nickel, so he searched until he found a buffalo headed nickel with his birth year on it, and then he had a jewler (silver?) solder it to the sideplate to mask the "beauty spot". It looked nice, and my buddy used to tell people that the nickle was his "good luck charm". It must have worked as I don't recall him ever having to use the piece to defend life or limb.

Regards,

Dave