leave the factory with serrated grip straps?

Serrated grip straps began showing up on .32-20 and .38 target models in about 1923 if I remember correctly....

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

I'll buy the change date in the 1920s. Its when it began showing up on other target guns, too. Mine has it, but we pretty much figured it was made in the late 1920s because of the high serial. I would guess that any .32-20 below serial 100,000 won't have the serrations. Its a difficult subject because S&W letters show shipping date. But the features like mushroom head ejector rods were 1920s features, and nearly all of the guns display that. It would be a good survey for someone to start. The problem is I doubt that we have a dozen total .32-20 target guns around here. I have one, and I'm not adverse to looking and furnishing the serial and backstrap design.

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Dick Burg

Mine is 1148xx and it is smooth on both straps. I'll have to look up the letter to confirm the ship date. My memory says early 20's, like 1923.

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Dave

Never say "always" or "never" when it comes to S&W!!!

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

You may be right about that, Dick. The only information I can offer is that my Winchester Model target revolver shipped in March, 1904, and bears serial number 8037. It has a smooth backstrap, but is much too early to be of any help in this discussion.

I did look at one at a gun show recently that dated to the late teens. The backstrap was smooth also. Hence I tend to agree that the transition took place sometime in the 1920s.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I would like to point out that this thread needs pictures!

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Dave