S&W N frame markings

[blfuller]

This is more a curiosity thing than anything. Anyone know what the deal is with S&W and their N frame barrel and frame markings? For example Koveras M-25 shown elsewhere. It appears to have a roll mark for the caliber on the barrel, small laser engraved logo on cyl release side. Opposite side is a roll marked address and a laser engraved "Mountain Gun".

I am comparing this to my 29 Classic which has, as I recall, a roll marked caliber on barrel on cylinder release side, nothing else. Opposite side has a large Laser engraved S&W logo (that takes up a goodly amount of the side plate), address and "Classic" all laser engraved. Just curious why they would roll mark vs. Laser engrave the address and different locations and size for the S&W logo?

 

[Old Fuff]

Smith & Wesson revolvers, including N-frames fall into two general categories:

1. Those which are regular production models.

2. Those which are special short-run models.

The former are usually marked with the company's trade marks and caliber/cartridge markings that are stamped.

Short-run special models are often marked to show the nature of what they are (such as "Mountain Gun"), and laser engraved because the number being made doesn't justify the tooling costs of roll-mark stamping.

As for the size of the markings. It would seem that a number of companies believe that their products are billboards. Many customers don't like the oversized markings however. Colt has taken note of this and is offering pistols with smaller lettering on the slide.