S&W 586-1 unknown marking

[jboboyuma]

Help! I purchased this today ($660 OTD) in Chattanooga and found this mark on the right side (RLA). I'm guessing it's a gunsmiths mark, but don't know and cannot find any online references. The single and double action TP is phenomenal. It's much better than the stock 686 CS-1 I carried with USBP for a number of years.

Thanks in advance!

 

[V-Eight]

I have no idea but that's a great looking 586! Enjoy!

 

[CH4]

I am guessing someone's initials.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome back to the Forum! I think you got a great buy on that 586-1, even without its original GA stocks. According to the SCSW 4th Ed., the -1 was only made in 1986-87, since the -2 was released in 1987. Without a s/n it's hard to determine the DOM. Do you have an "M" over stamped in the yoke area? That would indicate that S&W performed some warranty work on that revolver (new hammer nose and parts). Have you removed the rubber stocks to see if any other stamps are on the grip frame? Like you, I couldn't find any references to the "RLA" stamp...and since the action is so smooth a gunsmith's initials are certainly a possibility. It's not the usual location for an owner to have his initials stamped. Perhaps some other Forum members will be along to help with this mystery. Enjoy!

 

[stansdds]

My guess would be either a gunsmith or previous owner's initials. At least they are neatly stamped and not scrawled with an electric pencil.

 

[CH4]

With the exception of an engraver, I don't recall ever seeing a gunsmith stamp their initials on a customer's gun, especially for routine work.

My only 586 is a 4" no dash. Hoping to stumble upon a nice 2.5" someday.

 

[zwartepiet]

Great looking 586 and at a bargain price!

Can't help with the RLA but I'd think initials.

Thanks for sharing pics of yours!

Here is my 4" no dash. They are a great shooter!

 

[Jocko-44]

damn nice gun at a great price!