I've been looking around for a model 27 or 28 and like the target grip because I have big hands. Was this stock a custom option for these guns? Did S&W include it on guns produced in certain years only?

Sir.
Yes to both questions.
The early 27's and 28's had the smaller magna grips most often. The larger target type grips could be special ordered.
Later in production the 27 came more often with target grips for longer barrels and either grip for short barrels.
The 28 has been a mostly magna grip gun with special order targets available.
You can find them in any configuration. Owners made them the way they wanted them, also.
Bill@Yuma

Since these gun grips were often custom, do the grip serial and gun serial ever match?

Sir.
Earlier guns with magna grips frequently had the gun serial number on the inside of the right grip. These grips were handfitted and that allowed the grips to follow the gun thru the final assembly process.
Target grips are not numberd nearly as often. Sort of rare to see them.
Bill@Yuma

As noted the 28 always came with Magnas and these usually are numbered to the gun. Targets could be ordered but very, very seldom were. Dealers would often install them at customer request. Targets are almost never numbered even when original.

The 27 came with Magnas until 1974 or 75 when S&W foolishly (IMO) decided to make them all full target options as standard. I say this because the 3.5" look ridiculous with the big hammer and stocks (again IMO and I apparently am the only person in the world who feels this way).

I have a model 28-3 that came with target stocks and it has the box with it. I never looked for a s/n inside the stocks though. It has the AJK prefix s/n.

The Model 28-2 shown below was shipped with Magna stocks numbered to the revolver. I put these walnut target stocks on it because they are much easier on my hand when shooting factory .357 Magnum ammunition. Target stocks were not numbered to the revolver so if you buy a 27-2 or 28-2 that has Magna stocks, you can find a pair of target stocks and put them on the revolver.

In September 1975, S&W upgraded the Model 27-2 and eqipped it with a target hammer, target trigger and target stocks made of Goncalo alves. It was also shipped with a case. These upgrades were not made for the Model 28-2.

Bill

You gotta love it when someone digs up an old thread. I googled target stocks for a M28 and this is the thread that came up.



My 28-2 was shipped with Magna Stocks too and I'm not particularly fond of them.



So I decided that at some point I'd look for some Target Stocks to replace the Magna Stocks.

Well today was my lucky day. Looks like I have several to choose from.

I bought this 27 long ago.
It came with numbered Magnas.
This Targets have been on it for a while now.
That’s the 27 on the right.
Pre 29 on the left.

Attached Images

43F20E99-38CE-40BD-B34C-CA8723DBBC68.jpg (56.9 KB, 38 views)

__________________
NRA LIFE MEMBER

This Model 28-2 came from the factory with target stocks, as verified by the end label on the box. They are not marked with the serial number of the gun, but I do think they are quite nice, with attractive grain and finish.

John

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I've never checked to see if these stocks that are on my 1959 M27 are numbered or not. Should they be numbered to the gun??

I have no idea whether they would have come on the gun or not. I'll check them when I get back home.

I don't see your picture.

edit: Now I do.

These are top pick right now.

"So I decided that at some point I'd look for some Target Stocks to replace the Magna Stocks.

Well today was my lucky day. Looks like I have several to choose from."

Want to sell those K frame RB smooth Targets?

__________________
"Happiness is a warm gun"

Point them out to me. I have no idea which ones they are.

Pretty pathetic isn't it. LOL

You may have a set I could use.
Maybe.

Attached Images

79F00FDA-377B-4543-BA47-0491C0D65D4F.jpg (28.3 KB, 24 views)

__________________
NRA LIFE MEMBER

You ain’t seen everything. I saw a 19, 2.5” with TH, TT, TS, yellow front sight insert. Factory? Dunno, but that setup is just up my alley, except for the target grips. Nada