NIB model 57 target stocks

MAG-NUM · #1 03-13-2011, 09:36 AM

I recently purchased a 1980 new old stock model 57 .41 magnum and was fortunate enough to get a full factory shipping carton with the presentation case, unmarked blue two piece box, tools & documents just as it would have been delivered from S&W.
My question is that the gun came with smooth presentation target stocks instead of checkered target stocks so where is that information conveyed on the label? It just has a "T" in the space above STOCKS.
Did S&W just randomly use presentation stocks on some guns and checkered stocks on others? Or, has someone switched these out before I got it? Short of a factory letter is there any rule of thumb here.

As always I appreciate your reply's, Bob

ken158 · #2 03-13-2011, 09:42 AM

My vote is for switched grips. Box label looks normal with no indication of anything special. You could look inside the grips and see if a serial or part serial number is there. I doubt a factory letter would say checkered or smooth and certainly not worth $50 to find out... That should be a good shooter!

fyimo · #3 03-13-2011, 10:36 AM

I can't tell you either but checking the back of the grips for a serial number is a good idea. Either way I think those grips are stunning and I would be happy to have them on any of my S&W N frames.

MAG-NUM · #4 03-13-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyimo

I can't tell you either but checking the back of the grips for a serial number is a good idea. Either way I think those grips are stunning and I would be happy to have them on any of my S&W N frames.

Thanks Art, I agree they are nice stocks, and I think Ken may be right about the swap out.
Are presentation grips only applied to something other than a stock item by Smith & Wesson? Bob

And oh yes, checked the insides and no serial number.

Sebago Son · #5 03-13-2011, 11:13 AM

I think that your gun did ship with these stocks.

I am the second owner of this Jet.

This is the way it shipped.

The shipping label under "Stock" is 'T' in both cases...

In any event, these later guns will probably not have the serial number factory marked inside.

Drew

Doc44 · #6 03-13-2011, 12:15 PM

Target stocks (both N and K) were rarely numbered to the revolver so not finding a number is normal. Often, if smooth stocks were supplied with the gun, it will say Smooth in the special features section of the end label, but not always. The stocks are quite nice and I would be very pleased with them (original or not).

Bill