From Jim's comment in another thread...

[Truckman]

Rather than hijack the thread of another member, I thought it best to start a thread based on Hondo44's comment about the stocks I mentioned on a gun I recently acquired:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

I've seen this only a couple of times. Target grips have been re-purposed from a 22/32 HFT. The penciled serial # on the back side of the right side grip will tell us the serial # of the HFT it was originally shipped on.

The inside of the grips on my gun which bear the stamped number 2159 (not 2107 as my old eyes lied to me previously...) both bear the penciled number 207966 plus the signature of Geo. Johnston on the right grip also in pencil...

I've also included photographs of the stocks and one of the Model of 1903 1st Change that wore the grips as bought this weekend...Additionally I note my new acquisition has the same double spring arrangement (main and trigger return springs) as my previously acquired first year production (Roy said shipped August 1903) Model of 1903...This latest revolver, S/N 34105, was produced ca. 1905...I wonder how late in production of the .32 HE did S&W continue to use parts meant for the original 1st Model of 1896......Ben

[Hondo44]

Originally Posted by Truckman

Rather than hijack the thread of another member, I thought it best to start a thread based on Hondo44's comment about the stocks I mentioned on a gun I recently acquired:The inside of the grips on my gun which bear the stamped number 2159 (not 2107 as my old eyes lied to me previously...) both bear the penciled number 207966 plus the signature of Geo. Johnston on the right grip also in pencil...

Those type target stocks could be had on .32 Mod 1903 1st Change Target models at the time, but of course they would not have the butt #.

I've also included photographs of the stocks and one of the Model of 1903 1st Change that wore the grips as bought this weekend...Additionally I note my new acquisition has the same double spring arrangement (main and trigger return springs) as my previously acquired first year production (Roy said shipped August 1903) Model of 1903...This latest revolver, S/N 34105, was produced ca. 1905...I wonder how late in production of the .32 HE did S&W continue to use parts meant for the original 1st Model of 1896......Ben

Well I don't think the serial # in the target grips was originally written by the factory, I believe it's the correct #. Because it and the butt # on the left grip coincide with with regard to other serial #s and butt #s in the database of 3rd class Bekeart guns (if they're confirmed to have shipped to bekeart) 1051 to 3000 guns (1956 units).

As far as the dual springs of the Model 1896 being used in later models, they weren't replaced by the rebound slide type trigger spring until the Mod of 1903 2nd Change.

[glowe]

Originally Posted by Truckman

. . . I note my new acquisition has the same double spring arrangement (main and trigger return springs) as my previously acquired first year production (Roy said shipped August 1903) Model of 1903...This latest revolver, S/N 34105, was produced ca. 1905...I wonder how late in production of the .32 HE did S&W continue to use parts meant for the original 1st Model of 1896......Ben

While both models had two mainsprings, one for the hammer and one for the trigger, no parts were interchangeable. As Jim notes, the replacement of the trigger spring with the rebound slide occurred with the 2nd Change. They even stamped the patent date on the slide.

[Truckman]

I appreciate the input, gentlemen......Ben

[Hondo44]

The two most unique design features of the Model 1896 that were immediately abandoned were the top strap mounted cyl lock stop and the action lock out with cyl open mounted on the rear end of the yoke shaft inside the frame.