.357magger
Member
Sorry that I'm posting shy of the actual dates (someone will be along shortly to correct me and supply them, have no doubt 
) but Smith formerly, on many models of K and N frames, magnums, "pinned" the barrels in place as well as of course threading into the frame. Look at pics here and you'll see said pin on the end of the frame, right near the joining of the barrel.
R stands for recessed, as in recessed cylinder. Smith also recessed the end of the cylinders so that the cartridge, including case rim, were completely contained within the cylinder wall. Subsequent models/"dashes" did not have this feature as Smith found it to be unesessary for safety reasons. Meaning having the cartridge rim exposed between the end of the cylinder and the recoil shieid caused zero issues for safety or firing.
Hence the older models that are "P&R" or pinned and recessed, tend to command a premium. In short, they don't make em that way anymore.
Hope this helps.
) but Smith formerly, on many models of K and N frames, magnums, "pinned" the barrels in place as well as of course threading into the frame. Look at pics here and you'll see said pin on the end of the frame, right near the joining of the barrel.R stands for recessed, as in recessed cylinder. Smith also recessed the end of the cylinders so that the cartridge, including case rim, were completely contained within the cylinder wall. Subsequent models/"dashes" did not have this feature as Smith found it to be unesessary for safety reasons. Meaning having the cartridge rim exposed between the end of the cylinder and the recoil shieid caused zero issues for safety or firing.
Hence the older models that are "P&R" or pinned and recessed, tend to command a premium. In short, they don't make em that way anymore.
Hope this helps.
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