Please advise on 1955 era N frame target grips

bushmaster1313 · #1 12-26-2016, 11:19 PM

The grips on this 1955 .357 Magnum do not number to the gun.

If I were looking for period correct factory target grips from 1955 -- I am not -- what would I be looking for, by name.

A photo of period correct factory target grips on an N-Frame would be much appreciated.

Thank you

410bore · #2 12-26-2016, 11:35 PM

Non relieved diamond target stocks. Relieved stocks seemed to begin in 1956 and after

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Engine49guy · #3 12-26-2016, 11:36 PM

Your pictured diamond Magna stocks with rounded heels are "PC" or Plain Clothes Magnas.
IIRC those came a few years later and would usually be associated with non target site guns.

Target stocks for a .357 from 1955 IMO would likely be checkered diamond center (not Cokes) with or without a small football cut .

or small football relief cut presentation stocks like these:

bushmaster1313 · #4 12-27-2016, 02:38 PM

Very helpful
Thank you

S&WIowegan · #5 12-27-2016, 04:35 PM

Most S&W N-frame 357 Mags did not come from the factory with Target stocks until sometime in the 60s or 70s. Period correct 1955 Targets would not be necessarily correct for your gun.

Just sayin'

chud333 · #6 12-27-2016, 04:40 PM

Those PC Magnas do look nice on your N-Frame.
With the Tyler -T grip it makes a nice combination IMHO.

Chuck

murphydog · #7 12-27-2016, 05:01 PM

Whatever you decide stock-wise, be sure to hang onto the current ones; they are likely from a mid-1960s model 58 and are difficult to find. My guess is you'll see a number in the 250-300,000 range stamped on the inside of the right panel.

29aholic · #8 12-27-2016, 05:12 PM

My bet would be the non relieved targets. Of course you get a definite answer with a letter. 5" guns seem to go either way Magnas' or Targets. Any longer they more likely than not shipped with Targets, any shorter they probably shipped with Magnas'.

I believe the PC Magnas' made their debut with the Model 58 as it was intended to be a LEO gun.

gmborkovic · #9 12-27-2016, 05:54 PM

The 1950 no cut Targets are hard to find and expensive. I call them "dress up grips". I have several N frames and they all look perfect with period Magnas. But I have a few with the early targets, and they do look great and feel great. Expect to pay over $400 for a perfect set of early ones.

bushmaster1313 · #10 12-27-2016, 10:25 PM

Murphy Dog is an astute observer:

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

Whatever you decide stock-wise, be sure to hang onto the current ones; they are likely from a mid-1960s model 58 and are difficult to find. My guess is you'll see a number in the 250-300,000 range stamped on the inside of the right panel.

DocB · #11 12-27-2016, 10:32 PM

I like the grips that are on it. Every time I put a pair of correct targets on one of my Smiths, I wind up taking them off and putting the magnas back on. Target grips are one of the mistakes that Smith made a long time ago. Just me I guess. My grip box is full up with target grips, and that were they will stay. Just don't like them at all.