S&W K frame with identity problem.

[Riomouse911]

All of my blued S&W revolvers have blued extractor stars. Some samples:




My 49 Bodyguard is nickel plated, the extractor star is blued. (I thought I had a picture, but no. )

My 3” 36 was polished to the white when I bought it, but was reblued.



All of the S&W stainless guns I have have stainless stars.



I think you answered your original-finish question, just not the particular type/brand of finish that was applied.

Oh, that is a very nice revolver, the finish looks great .

Stay safe.

 

[sgt127]

The S&W logo looking buffed is an artifact of the photo. To the eye it looks nice and sharp.

That’s a S&W 650. Only stainless gun I had out.

The stamping is actually a little bit proud along the edges.

 

[Gordon]

Pretty sure it is Metalifed or Armaloy hard chrome over vapor blast. It is about the best finish ever developed and my guns which were done in it in late 70s still look as new , in most cases. They "vapor hone the trigger and hammer before plating and both those finishers don't round of the corners or over buff anything that can be saved . Your 19 snub looks great it is a very fine gun to shoot, my favorite .357 revolver , all around.

 

[.38 Special]

Only one way to tell for sure. Hold it against a grinding wheel. Bright white sparks which fork indicate carbon steel. Short, thin, orangish sparks indicate stainless.

Let us know!

 

[unspellable]

I think I will pass on the grinder trick. Wish it had a six inch barrel. I've always viewed a model 19 as more of a woods gun and little brother to the model 29 than an EDC.
Guess I'll run with the chrome idea.

 

[wcwhitey]

If it was hard chromed it was not a cheap job! Very detailed to do that, even a new front sight insert. So obviously it was a prized possession of someone. It’s very interesting.