Possible Reminton Rand Purchase

[ncblksmth1]

I am looking at trading or buying a Remington Rand which looks in great condition. It has dark spots around the slide stop notch in the slide and the front of the slide. Is this an indicator of originality or can these things be faked?

[Johnny P]

The front of the slide and the slide stop notch were hardened to prevent wear and battering in these areas. The heat treating does not show up to a great extent under bluing, but does show up under phosphate, and will show up under subsequent refinishings, as it is a characteristic of the metal. It would not be a good indicator of originality nor of being refinished. One of the best indicators is the serial number. The UNITED STATES PROPERTY and NO. were stamped before the pistol was sandblasted or finished. The serial number was stamped after finish. Additionally, the FJA and crossed cannon acceptance marks were also stamped after finish.

This is a Remington Rand in a serial number range that would normally be a Type II in Du-Lite blue, but is a Type III in phosphate. The serial number dates from the time Remington Rand was having production problems and shut down production. The only explanation is that this serial number got held back or originally rejected, and was completed after the finish had been changed. In the photo you can see the effects of the sandblasting on the USP and NO. and the clearly struck after finish serial number.

[ncblksmth1]

Tres Interesant. I had heard of this but did not know the actual signs. Does a "P" near the mag release mean rebuild?

[Johnny P]

No. That is for the proof firing of the pistol. There will be a P near the mag release, on the top of the slide ahead of the rear sight, and on the left side of the barrel lug.

[da gimp]

good logic john & nice pics again.