UPDATE to the UPDATE -- 1954 mfg Heavy Duty miss-identified in "auction"

[bigmtnman]

I've had some S&W purchases in the past where I have had "buyer's remorse" ... This HD is the EXACT opposite! I am REALLY glad I "pulled the trigger" for this on on the "buy it now". The more unique combination of a 4" plain bbl, round front sight, ejector shroud, and fixed sights on an N frame at an affordable price is hard to beat ! Even the factory re-blue in a "bright blue" makes it more unique. I decided I am happiest with my best pair of "keeper" N frame magnas on it. I'll be looking forward to a nice warmer weather day for a drive out to the prairie and see how it shoots !



*** Smith S&W Pre Model .38 Regulation Police 4" *** That is what the auction had listed. It was obviously a Heavy Duty at first glance. The grips are not correct, but what the heck. I checked the pics closely for a re-blue and did not see anything obvious. It looks 95% to me. The pics. I have posted are from the auction. After ALL costs for shipping, state sales tax, my FFL transfer fee and state background check fee --- $635 . It wasn't really an "auction" , the seller only had a "buy it now" on it for $499. The serial # is S 1064?? (the auction pic. cut off the last 2 digits)
When I get my own hands and eyeballs on it, and if it is "righteous" --- WHOOPEEE !!

 

[Glashaus]

The two Heavy Duties that I have were both incorrectly listed at auction. One was listed as a M&P pre M10 and the other was listed by its assembly number on the crane as the model number. A lot of people are clueless when it comes to Heavy Duties.

 

[LPD256]

Elk stag grips would look good on that HD.....

Nice find. I have one from 11/54 that is slightly higher than yours in Serial number.

 

[bigmtnman]

Elk stag grips would look good on that HD.....

Nice find. I have one from 11/54 that is slightly higher than yours in Serial number.

Hmmmm ..... elk stag grips are a DEFINITE possibility !!

 

[paplinker]

Great snag!

I have a feeling we are are going to find out what your favorite pair of elk or stag grips look like.

I vote a nice sharp shoulder set of magnas.

 

[krsmith58]

congrats. nice looking revolver . i also would like to see it dressed up with some stags .seems as though i recall one of the forum members that makes a few and they are really nice . kenny , texas

 

[weatherby]

Hmmmm ..... elk stag grips are a DEFINITE possibility !!

If only you knew a guy that could make you a nice set.
Congratulations
Rich is wrong go with the stag

 

[younggun22]

I was staring at that one for a while! Glad it's going to a good home and it definitely need a new set of stocks...

 

[bigmtnman]

I was staring at that one for a while! Glad it's going to a good home and it definitely need a new set of stocks...

I was wondering how long that might have been available without being bought. It took me about 15 minutes of looking/researching before I "hit it". The 4" barrel pushed me over the edge.
I am thinking I might conjure up a pair of stocks made from exotic wood . I seem to have plenty of stag gripped guns around. I may be ready for something a little different for this one! I know I have some wood around like shown in the pics.

 

[paplinker]

If only you knew a guy that could make you a nice set.
Congratulations
Rich is wrong go with the stag

I guess I worded it wrong. I meant elk sharp shoulder magnas

When a guy can make grips for his own gun how can you not?

 

[bigmtnman]

It is now home with me. Good news ---- NOT bored out for .357 and the timing and lock up are perfect. Bluing is really nice BUT is it a factory re-blue ? I'm not sure what the marks are --- Do they indicate a possible factory re-blue (return for service) in 2/76 ? I think I like the stag grips better than the carved factory targets on it. The final total cost was $602. Even it's a factory re-blue I'm happy !

 

[handejector]

R-S = "Refinish - Standard (Blue)"
276 = Feb, 1976

 

[bigmtnman]

R-S = "Refinish - Standard (Blue)"
276 = Feb, 1976

Thanks for the confirmation. The "standard blue" they put on this one is oustanding !

 

[handejector]

Thanks for the confirmation. The "standard blue" they put on this one is oustanding !

"Refinish - Standard (Blue)" does not mean "standard blue". It means the standard finish is blue. The standard finish for a revolver that was originally bright blue is bright blue. The standard finish for a revolver that was satin blue would be satin blue.
Your gun probably shipped in satin blue, but by 76, the guys in bluing probably didn't know that.

 

[LPD256]

Both pairs of grips are outstanding. The refinish looks great. Happy shooting. Great buy on a great gun.

 

[bigmtnman]

"Refinish - Standard (Blue)" does not mean "standard blue". It means the standard finish is blue. The standard finish for a revolver that was originally bright blue is bright blue. The standard finish for a revolver that was satin blue would be satin blue.
Your gun probably shipped in satin blue, but by 76, the guys in bluing probably didn't know that.

Thank you .... My S&W education is once again "upgraded" . Being the optimistic type, I'll look at the bright blue refinish as a "free upgrade" included with my purchase.

 

[Kansasgunner]

Handsome revolver at a great price, what's not to like!

 

[bigmtnman]

I guess I worded it wrong. I meant elk sharp shoulder magnas

When a guy can make grips for his own gun how can you not?

I put my best "keeper" pair on it. I think it will be their new home.

 

[delcrossv]

I put my best "keeper" pair on it. I think it will be their new home.

A very nice combo indeed.

 

[DWalt]

Closest SN on my list to yours is S106374 which shipped on 5/18/54. Any average condition HD from that period will bring at least $500 easy. Yours may be better than average.