Is this original finish or modified at some point?

[73 RB-Z]

My Model 65-3 is a great shooter but not perfect cosmetically speaking (also not bad). Dings here and there, looks like it was probably carried.

I have no frame of reference so I'm asking if anyone can help ID if this is factory finish or maybe if the sides were polished?

The top looks to have been bead blasted, or dulled with some scotch brite pads. The sides look like they *might* have been polished years ago. I can see some reflection of myself when looking at the barrel.

If it's been polished by someone, I may bring back the luster. If the moderate gloss is factory, I'll probably just leave it

[FUBAR]

Looks factory to me. I've seen a lot of older Model 64's and they look just like that.

[mike.h]

don't change a thing, just shoot it.

[73 RB-Z]

Perfect, much appreciated

The bore is perfect and the action is butter smooth, this will be a shooter of mine for a long time

I like to keep the classics original. Although if someone before me has modified it, then it's game on lol

[jimsguns]

Looks factory to me also. Tops of S&W stainless steel pistols are generally bead blasted to cut down glare down the sights.

['ol shooter]

That's the way they were done, identical to my mid 70's 66.