As I look at photos of the 1930s era 38/44 revolvers, it seems that stocks prior to 1935 were walnut service grips, but after 1935 were checkered magnas. Is this true, and did it have anything to do with introduction of the 357 in 1935?

I'll leave this one to Bill!

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Lee and I have had this conversation recently. According to S&W, on February 5, 1936: Order to make all model .44 HE, .45 HE and .38/44 HE revolvers with Magna stocks. I have found that you start seeing this order take affect in the mid 47000 serial number range for the N frame guns. Yes, the Magnas were first found on the Registered Magnum. Service grips could still be ordered for your gun, but magnas were standard.
Lee and I hope this helps!
Bill

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38-44heavyduty.com

Thank you both.

Robert

Hello Robert
As Other's have said here the Magna stock's first appeared on the .357's in 1935 time span. The ones used on the later 38-44's and .44 Hand ejects will be slightly different in the fore strap front lower corner area along with their Back strap rear lower corner area compared to the earlier 357 Magna's as they will have square front and rear grip frame corners, where as the .357 Magnum hand guns were slightly Beveled to meet the Registered Magnums Beveled frame in these two areas. The checking on both stocks was the same as was the Machined rear emblem washers, some having a Patent number, & others not having anything stamped into them in the outer corners of the emblem washers...