The S&W Gods have smiled , and three back-ordered Smith Classic series revolvers just arrived for customers. A K-17 6" 22lr,a M-27 6.5" .357, and a M25 6.5" 45LC. I always check all firearms for defects before calling customers for pickup and I'm amazed at the fit and finish of all three. Most impressive is the lockup of the cylinders on all chambers. I own quite a few Smith revolvers, and these are by far tighter than any I own.
My only guess is that this series is assembled by either their custom shop, or most senior smiths.