Optical Illusion or Cockeyed Rollmark???

[TTSH]

There is a Model 3954 for sale on a certain website. While I don't normally collect blued 3rd Gens (SS-only for me so far!), the gun *is* in MA (where I can actually buy it) and it does look to be in pretty good shape.

Just one thing is confusing me.

Is the "Smith & Wesson" rollmark cockeyed?

Or is it just me?

 

[captcook]

Looks a little off to me.

 

[Smith357]

If you look at the line that is the top of the slide it appears bowed. it may just be the picture is distorted due to the what is called convergence or barrel distortion, basically a fish-eye effect. It is a pretty common thing that typically get worse if you are shooting close to an object with straight lines, It goes away if you move back and zoom in on the subject.

It could be the ultra-rare highly valuable cockeyed model.

 

[RV4driver]

It looks like the roll mark is parallel to the bottom of the slide, and the flat side of the slide is slightly tapered, causing it to appear cockeyed.
Also, the model/s.n. on the frame is slightly cockeyed relative to the top of the frame, so the two marks appear to diverge. Buy it, shoot it...

 

[tim c]

maybe I'm cockeyed but looks fine to me and nice pistol

 

[TTSH]

Dang! It's all become a moot point anyway. The bidding has skyrocketed to well above my price range!

 

[tim c]

how much? and no I know what your thinking TTSH Im not bidding on it

 

[tim c]

i saw one of those last summer sell at LGS for $650.00 and was not as nice

 

[TTSH]

how much? and no I know what your thinking TTSH Im not bidding on it

i saw one of those last summer sell at LGS for $650.00 and was not as nice

Ouch! Ended at $720.00 A wee bit above my means. Like by almost double.

 

[tim c]

That model is fairly rare isn't it?

 

[TTSH]

That model is fairly rare isn't it?

Apparently too rare for me.

 

[OFT II]

The rollmark is fine. The gun is cockeyed.

 

[skjos]

​

That model is fairly rare isn't it?

Less than 1000 produced.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/377633-3954-lettered.html

 

[TTSH]

It could be the ultra-rare highly valuable cockeyed model.

I never thought of that possibility!

The rollmark is fine. The gun is cockeyed.

Or that one!

Less than 1000 produced.

Oh Lordy!!! That explains a lot. I never had a chance.