For my K frames, and J frames, I have both the earlier diamonds, as well as the later 60's and 70's checkered non diamond stocks, in both round and square butt. I guess these are "magnas"? It seems like the diamonds in both frame sizes have a fuller, more "rounded" feel, where the later checkered non diamonds feel a little flatter, possibly slimmer. Is it just me, or are the diamonds a little fuller feeling in the hand?

Maybe I can round up a set of calipers and measure the thickness at the screw hole area of both styles. I dont know, but the K diamond square butts on my model 10 feel absolutely perfect for my hand size. To me, the good old fashioned S&W diamond stocks are some of the best feeling, and best looking stocks I've ran across. Great feel, beautiful, but not overstated.

Josh P .... i'll try to get a pic of them on the gun soon

yes, the older diamonds feel much better to the hand especially when fired. My later Magnas seem to have a ridge front and rear on each side panel. Makes for an uncomfortable handle. If you look closely at them you can see the corners that are only slightly smoothed off. My carry 67 has an old well worn set of diamond service grips simply because they are much more comfortable to handle and fire than the newer style that came on it.

On ther magna they are slightly different but on the targets I couldn't tell the difference. I agree that the diamond targets look a lot different and of course I like the daimond target grips better.

What's the best source for a good looking replica of the diamond magnas?

I have purchased them from Altamont. They are, however, laminated and resin-impregnated wood.

Here are some in their black wood:

__________________
-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I enjoy shooting with magnas on moderately loaded guns and also find the diamond magnas attractive on modern revolvers. Years ago I found that Don Collins made “fatter” smooth magnas that were much more comfortable than originals. They are pretty as well !

Jerry

__________________
.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

Wow, GLL, those are some great stocks, and great pics. I love the "stone" colored ones on the .357.

Josh P

IME all S&W factory stocks feel slimmer and more ergonomic as you go back in time. The ones from the 1970s and 1980s feel very sharp and blocky in my hand while the older ones feel smooth and comfortable.