S&W D.A. 45 questions

[milsurphunter]

I just picked up a DA45 at the gunshow this morning. It seems to have been parkerized at some point. lock up is good. It does not have the US Army stamp on the heel. Seems to be a commercial gun. it has an import mark under the barrel. SN is 1737xx.(all numbers match, cant tell on grips due to refinshed) Also has a eagle with S2 (military??) under the crane. My question is does anyone know the date of manufacturer and why a commercial gun had to be re-imported?
I gave $350 so i hope i did ok.

 

[murphydog]

If you look on the sideplate, you will likely see a Brazilian crest, as this is most likely one of their contract guns from 1937. The eagle/S2 is a military inspector's stamp, as many of the first shipment of these were assembled from surplus WW I 1917 Army frames. These were originally blued but many were Parkerized during arsenal reworks afterward. You did good on the price. Hope this is helpful.

 

[milsurphunter]

If you look on the sideplate, you will likely see a Brazilian crest, as this is most likely one of their contract guns from 1937. The eagle/S2 is a military inspector's stamp, as many of the first shipment of these were assembled from surplus WW I 1917 Army frames. These were originally blued but many were Parkerized during arsenal reworks afterward. You did good on the price. Hope this is helpful.

There is no Brazilian crest on the side plate of this one. He also had one of the Brazilian pistols too (but deep blue) thanks for the help.

 

[beagleye]

If it shoots well...

then I think you did fine. A good shooting 45 acp N frame revolver is a smooth thing. It's a naturally accurate combination. It may take some experimenting with loads. I find a mild load and a soft lead bullet is about too accurate in mine.

enjoy

 

[murphydog]

There is no Brazilian crest on the side plate of this one. He also had one of the Brazilian pistols too (but deep blue) thanks for the help.

Interesting. Given the import stamp, refinish and WW I surplus frame, there are a few possibilities. A Brazilian contract gun that missed being stamped, or has a replaced sideplate or (mostly likely of all) had the crest ground off. Hard to imagine a single commercial gun going through the import-export process, as you mentioned.

If you are really curious, a factory letter would solve the mystery.