Model 58 S-Prefix Question

[scotchblade]

I have a Model 58 with an S-Prefix. The Catalog indicates a date range of 1968/1969.

One observation about this revolver is the trigger is uniformly blue and the hammer uniformly satin. I have a couple of other Smith revolvers from the early seventies and they have case hardened triggers and hammers.

I'm a bit mystifed by this. I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would replace the originals with these, but stranger things have happened. Or maybe they are original. It did not come with the original stocks either, but that's another story.

I'm still a newbie and am learning as I go. I welcome your feedback. Thank you.

 

[murphydog]

Someone has polished the hammer, either the original or a replacement. Any indication it has had a trigger job?

 

[SAFireman]

Neither looks to have an original finish to me. He the gun been refinished?

 

[scotchblade]

More and more, it's looking like it was refinished. A previous owner had also added gold paint fill to the stamped areas, which I removed. He did a beautiful job and it shoots great, but I wish it was original.

In California, a state where older Smith revolvers are not readily available and cannot be brought in from out of state (off roster), I grabbed it when I had the chance.

Thanks

 

[SAFireman]

More and more, it's looking like it was refinished. A previous owner had also added gold paint fill to the stamped areas, which I removed. He did a beautiful job and it shoots great, but I wish it was original.

In California, a state where older Smith revolvers are not readily available and cannot be brought in from out of state (off roster), I grabbed it when I had the chance.

Thanks

Even re-finished, a model 58 is a great addition to anyone's collection. I lived in CA for a brief period and totally understand your frustrations.

Be sure to stop over at the http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/173441-unofficial-58-club.html and join the other 58 lovers.

Now you have a great excuse to go out and shoot it without having to worry about the finish

 

[Jack Flash]

A blued trigger & hammer are often tell-tale signs of a re-blue. My guess is that the blued hammer bothered him so he took it off and polished it(?)

 

[bronco45]

Enjoy your 41 by sending well crafted rounds downrange to a bullseye target!

 

[Art Doc]

Looks refinished to me. S&W didn't blue or polish the hammers and triggers, they are always case colored even on nickel plated pistols. A previous owner blued the trigger and polished the hammer. If this really bothers you replacement parts can be found.

The situation in CA is sad. I grew up there but fled in 1992 with the onslaught of more and more infringements on the Second Amendment (and all the other problems in CA we aren't allowed to discuss here). I don't regret leaving for one moment (as I think about taking my FAL out for some plinking).

 

[bananaman]

I would still like to have it refinished or not. It is a shooter, so it would not matter to me. Would be a great gun for the range. I'd look for some sexy looking (wood) stocks though. Bob

 

[Frank237]

Assuming the H&T interface is correct and working properly.... I'd remove the trigger and polish the sides to match the hammer. Then shoot the heck out of it.

Or...Send it in and get both replaced.

 

[Jack Flash]

Assuming the H&T interface is correct and working properly.... I'd remove the trigger and polish the sides to match the hammer. Then shoot the heck out of it.

Or...Send it in and get both replaced.

I don't think S&W has parts for one that old any more. Someone else may know for sure.

Since the OP bought it that way, it must not have bothered him too much.

 

[Skeetr57]

Parts shouldn't be too difficult to find. The K and N frame triggers are the same, and any non target N frame hammer from the post war short action should work too.

 

[gwpercle]

The plus side to being refinished is now you don't have to fret about ruining the collector value by firing it. And shooting them is much more fun than squirreled away in a safe.
I like the way it looks as is, very nice score, you did well.
Out of all the guns I own , the model 58 is the most enjoyable to shoot. That's mine in my avatar .
Reloading for it with cast bullets adds a lot to the shooting experience.
Gary