This seem like a good deal? Wasn't looking for one...would love a 3", but if it's a deal I'd probably buy it.

A previous owner probably had stocks that covered the serial number and he/she engraved it there for 'ease of inspection' - just my guess.
Great gun for the money!
At least he had sense enough to engrave that number where he did instead of alongside the frame or on the sideplates!!!!!!!!!!!!
love the grips that came on it, pretty thin and made by some company called Eagle and it has India under that. I guess their cheap, but fit my had good...as long as I shoot 38's thru it.