odd markings on 629-6

[robertrwalsh]

I had occasion to use a 629-6 for a visual reference today and I noticed some markings that I had not noticed before on it (or had not paid attention to) and that I had not seen on any of my other guns.

The gun serial # is CFE0868.

On the inside of the side plate is 204 done with what might be a punch of some sort, but it is done very skillfully, probably not by hand.

On the right side, bottom, of the grip frame all the way at the bottom behind the grip positioning pin, on two lines, is 204 on the top line and 29308 on the bottom line. Same as the side plate. Under magnification it looks like punch marks, uniform depth and very carefully positioned.

The gun is a 3" RB with an unfluted cylinder. The right side of the barrel is marked SMITH AND WESSON 44 MAGNUM, presumably laser engraved.

It has a wide trigger, wide hammer and red front sight insert. The serial number is under the yoke AND under the cylinder window on the left side, laser engraved as well as the left side of the grip frame about half-way down.

Anybody got any idea what the markings signify? I am GUESSING they are aftermarket or put there by a specialty distributor.

 

[murphydog]

The 204 and 29308 are laser dot engraving (punch?) work and are factory internal codes, to keep parts identified as belonging to a gun prior to final assembly (the longer number) and an inspector's stamp (the shorter one).

 

[robertrwalsh]

Thanks for the info. I am used to stamps but I guess with modern laser tech it is easier to do it that way. It is certainly a lot easier to read.

 

[Protocall_Design]

It's dot peen marking, done with an automated punch, not laser.

What is Dot Peen Marking?

 

[robertrwalsh]

Thanks Protocall.

 

[snw19_357]

On the inside of the side plate is 204 done with what might be a punch of some sort,...

Should also be on the yoke.

On the right side, bottom, of the grip frame all the way at the bottom behind the grip positioning pin, on two lines, is 204 on the top line and 29308 on the bottom line.

204 is the assembly number, used to be a five digit number stamped on the yoke, left side of the rip frame and inside the side plate.
29308 is the part number of the frame and will be on all 629-6 RB frames.