Strange 45 series mag marking

[18DAI]

I picked up another 4566 yesterday. I won this one on Gunbroker. It's an LE trade with decock only and spurless hammer - my favorite 4566 set up.

Anyway it came with one mag. The mag has a laser etched "R" on the left side, midway down near the 6th hole. It is laser etched, same color and font as the S&W markings on the slide (this is a 4566 - revision 3 TDM prefix).

All the other standard roll marked 45 series mag markings are present. "45 ACP", "ES1" and the S&W logo.

Whats the R mean? The mag is like new. No wear on the follower at all. I compared it to my other two dozen 45 series mags and other than the laser etched R it is identical. Anyone have one like this? Thanks! Regards 18DAI.

 

[novalty]

That's the "R"evolver indicator, showing if you had a revolver you would be fully loaded. But seriously never seen an "R" on the side of a mag before. Does it look factory or done by someone with a punch?

 

[kcode]

I checked all of the mags I have for my 4566 and none of them have the extra R stamping. Is there any other differences from the standard mags?

 

[18DAI]

Yes, it appears to be a factory marking, as the laser etching is identical in depth, color, and font to the laser etched slide markings and serial number.

Other than the strange R, the mag is identical to every other 4500 series mag I own, and functions perfectly.

I thought at first that it was an inspectors mark.....but the lack of any similar marks on any of my other mags eliminated that. I'm really curious as to what.....if any....meaning it has. Customer service had no clue.

This 4566 arrived in a heavy brown cardboard pistol box with the serial number on the lid in black marker. Evidently it belonged to....or was issued at some point to a "DET SGT XXX".

Sweet pistol. Very slick full sized duty gun that is easily concealed off duty. Regards 18DAI.

 

[novalty]

Was there ever a ban on the 45 mags? It wouldn't be a "R"estricted mag for Law Enforcement? Just another shot in the dark.

 

[SMSgt]

"R" is for reject.
Heck, I don't know. But I have the same 4566 from CDNN and my mags have no "R."