The big question is do any members have an early Combat Magnum ( under serial K-265,000) that they are 100% sure has its original grips and can they post pics.

Its an interesting topic because unlike the serial numbered Magnas S&W generally didnt apply serial numbers to target grips or presentation grips with exception of a small amount of early target grips ,
Also IIRC the factory letter does not usually address grip specifics other than style shipped so unless you were the original owner there is really no way to know if grips have been changed in a guns lifetime .

Special pieces may have been fitted with special grips so we probably should focus on factory pieces for the general public not special early run presentation pieces or engraved guns .

Im guessing there is evidence pointing to the earliest guns shipping with non relieved targets like this ad, Also guessing S&W used what they had on hand and in 1955 both relieved and non relieved targets were in stock .


Unless the gun was a safe queen its likely that owners of guns sold with non relieved grips at some point realized the non relieved grips could interfer with case extraction as well as prevent the use of speed loaders and so might have purchased a set with the football cutout when they became available.



BTW subtle variations generally help narrow down target grips to 5 year time frame.