Pre-27 "Real Pinto"

[Vettepartz]

For years I have always liked the S&W 'Pintos'. Even though S&W doesn't officially call them 'Pintos', most gun enthusiasts and collectors refer to them as 'Pintos', so I am going with that.
In my opinion (maybe mine only), there are 3 types of Pintos. '1' is the ones with no documentation and may have come from Joe's bumper and chrome shop. '2' is the ones referred to as 'Factory Pintos' which have been sent back to the S&W factory to be modified into a Pinto. I have seen more than just a few of these, and they have been offered for some pretty high prices. '3' is the factory ORIGINAL Pinto, which has an authenticity letter saying that the gun was shipped from the factory as a Pinto.

Not long ago I found this one on GB and I jumped on it because it had the letter saying it was a factory original Pinto. I actually got it for less than I expected. All numbers match with the exception of the stocks, including the extractor star. A 'B' on the frame under the left stock, and a 'N' on the extractor rod shroud on the barrel. This came with a very nice set of diamond footbal target stocks, but I put this set of Magnas on it to make it more period correct. I probably should look for a nicer set.

 

[Vettepartz]

Here is the letter that came with it. And the cylinder.

 

[paplinker]

Very nice gun.

I like your style better with the nickle cylinder. It hides the turn line better.

Maybe you need a fourth category. The reverse pinto!

 

[delcrossv]

Was that from George? I recall he had one.

Very nice!

 

[RKmesa]

Congratulations John. I'm glad that you picked that one up. I followed it and thought the price was very reasonable. Just a note, each of my pintos that shipped that way from the factory also have an "N" stamped on the cylinder under the ejector star.

Once again, congrats!!!

 

[Vettepartz]

Yes, Richard, this also has an "N" stamped in that location.

By the way, do any of yours have nickel plated screws in the sideplate?

 

[usm1rifle]

Really a great pickup!

 

[RKmesa]

...By the way, do any of yours have nickel plated screws in the sideplate?

No. I don't think that they do. One or two of them may have a nickel thumb piece, but I may be misremembering that...

Be careful, those pintos are mighty addicting.

 

[CH4]

Very nice! Would love to have one in 3.5". I had a 2.5" 19-4 reverse pinto, but regretfully sold it to someone who wanted it really bad. $$$$ Never had it lettered. Always thought it was a factory redo.

Sorry about the poor picture.

 

[quinn]

Congratulations on that one, John. My pre 27 Pinto also came from Rex Firearms in 1955. Just stunning, aren't they?

 

[rubiranch]

WOW!!!! That is really nice.

 

[Pine_Worker]

Very nice!