I saw on this forum where a set of S&W grips sold for $200 . What were they???
Please explain what "PRE-WAR" means.

I really would like to know and pics would be great. I know the experts are on this thread.

Thanks...mulehide9

I saw on this forum where a set of S&W grips sold for $200 . What were they???
Please explain what "PRE-WAR" means.

I really would like to know and pics would be great. I know the experts are on this thread.

Thanks...mulehide9

Pre-war means prior to the Second World War. There were several styles of pre-war grips and the $200 grips sound like they might have been pre-war service grips based on the price. Pre-war Magnas fetch a much higher price depending on condition.

I have no pics available but there have been several tutorial grip threads flush with pictures of the various pre-war grips styles.

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Non illegitimae carborundum

Can't help you with the specifics of the $200 sale, but there are S&W Grips that routinely sell for over $300.

Pre War usually refers to WWII, and is usually considered pre 1940, certainly pre Dec. 7, 1941.

/c

mulehide9,

I will let one of the experts sum up the the subject (and it isn't totally straightforward either). Suffice it to say that grip styles have evolved over S&W's history. One of the breaks collectors have recognized in their nomenclature is WWII. For stocks (grips) you have "pre-war" magnas and "post-war" magnas. In the latter category you have further divisions like "diamond" magnas, high-horn magnas (post-war transitional), PC magnas, etc., etc., etc. You get the picture.

One of the best ways to approach this subject (and S&Ws in general) is to purchase, the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (3rd Ed.) by Supica & Nahas. It is a fine reference text and will provide you with many answers and lots of reading enjoyment.

Best Regards,

Jerry

D'OH, I completely forgot about the grip section in the SCSW III.

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Non illegitimae carborundum

+1 on SCSW. The best 30 bucks I have spent in a long time! If only it was signed...
I just stumbled on the grips section earlier today. These folks know their stuff!

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Rough waters ahead.

Here's the prewar K Magna's I picked up last week for just over $200. I think I got a really good deal on them and now I need to find a gun to put them on.

Bill

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US Marine, 16 years+