This is kinda cool
Yes, the star signifies it went back to S&W for work. Could have been a refinish (and usually was). Could have been a rebarrel or some other such work.
Complete thread:
- This is kinda cool - 
cubrock, 
2013-11-02, 06:38 ![Open whole thread [*]](themes/default/images/complete_thread.png)  - This IS kinda cool and I like it... - Hobie, 2013-11-02, 07:18
- This is kinda cool - 
Slow Hand, 
2013-11-02, 08:06
- This is kinda cool - cubrock, 2013-11-02, 09:42
 
- It's gonna go high... - anachronism, 2013-11-02, 21:15