I have a 1956 Combat Magnum shipped with walnut target stocks.
I also have a 1960 M19-0 shipped with Goncalo Alves stocks. I thought all Combat Magnums were shipped with Goncalo Alves stocks. When did they go from walnut to Goncalo or was it an option? My 1953 vintage Combat Masterpiece was shipped with checkered walnut target stocks as well as my 1961 vintage M53. Thanks, Big Larry

Is there a S/N on the right side stock on the one that shipped in '56? The only numbered K target stocks I've ever seen or heard of were shipped on early Combat Magnums in the lower 260000's.

Mark

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My Combat Magnum # 262336, shipped 7-20-1956 has no serial number on the stocks. Numbers do appear on the rest of the revolver. Thanks, Big Larry

Back in "The Day" it was common practice for a dealer to swap a different grip on a revolver for a customer to make the sale.

That is so true and seldom mentioned here.Not always a factory mystery.

The switch from walnut to Goncalo alves was supposedly made in 1959. However, I have an original .357 Combat Magnum (one of the first 100 made) and the stocks look like Goncalo alves to me (they are numbered). However, I am not an expert on wood types. Maybe an expert on wood types can give us an opinion. See photo below and click on it for a better look.

Bill

I re read the letter from Mr. Jinks and you are quite correct. Sometime in 1958 he says and the price of the revolver went up $10 accordingly. Your stocks do look like walnut. Goncalo usually has a red color with black stripes running through them. Hard to tell as I am certainly no wood expert. The walnut target stocks on my M53 and Pre M15 are very plain with no figure. Back in the 70's, real pretty figured wood was coming out on M19's. I have owned a few I would like back. Thanks, Big Larry

Very sweet revolver Bill. You are a lucky man. Thanks for sharing. Big Larry

Goncalo alves is quite variable, from the reddish brown with dark grain to light brown to blonde with virtually no grain. The stocks below date to early 1973. The second photo shows a pair of smooth Goncalo alves from the mid-50s. The third photo shows a .357 Combat Magnum shipped in May 1959. Click on each photo for a better look.

Bill

Bill here is a pre M19 shipped to The Williams Gun Sight Co. 2-1960. Stocks look just like yours and are Goncalo. At least that's what the letter states. Thanks, Big Larry

Here are what walnut stocks look like. These are from a mid-1950s Model 25 (N-frame).

John

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Yes, I have a pair on my 1961 M53. Also have a pair of unrelieved walnut targets on my 1953 Combat Masterpiece. They have no personality. Thanks, Big Larry