These Target grips would be period correct but not what came on the gun from the factory, right?

Attached Images

image.jpg (69.8 KB, 173 views)

__________________
USAF AMMO

Not as standard equipment. Dealers were happy to install them using new stocks sold as replacement parts and there were likely a very few 15s special ordered with targets.

The stocks on your gun were used 1968-1982. Not sure when the gun was made.

__________________
No life story has happy end.

Made in 1967

__________________
USAF AMMO

Could possibly be correct, but more likely the same without the football-shaped cutout on the left panel would be more period-correct. I don't think it makes that much difference which one you have. The idea of the cutout was to make loading using a speed-loader simpler. After 1982, a somewhat larger cutout was used, but it didn't resemble a football.

Thank you sir. How does one know for sure if the grips they have actually came on the gun (any real numbering system)?

__________________
USAF AMMO

No system - Target grips were usually not numbered to the revolver. They will often have an ink date stamp, however. A factory letter would say if the gun left the factory with service or target grips, but not necessarily the target grips now on it. Most Model 15s came standard with service grips, as they were marketed mainly to law enforcement, not target shooters, but S&W would provide target grips as an extra-cost option. Or they could have been purchased at some later time.

Thank you sir, you have been much help.

__________________
USAF AMMO

I take it you are a former IYAAYAS?

Yes sir, I am a 461X0

__________________
USAF AMMO

Wouldn't the stocks no matter what style have had the diamond around the screw hole in 67?

Twig.

Thats what I was wondering... If in fact it came with Targets would they be Targets with the diamond? Obviously the Magnas did have the diamond.

__________________
USAF AMMO

I believe 1967 was when they started making the changeover. I think either type could conceivably be correct.

__________________
Retired Dep Sheriff & Armorer

Actually, what is commonly called a "football cutout" was an extractor relief cut, which made it easier to extract empties. In the early 80's the speedloader cutout was introduced and as the name implies made it easier to load the gun using speedloaders.
I believe the diamond pattern targets would be most "correct" for the OP's Model 15, but that's JMO.

I think that from around 1956 to 1967 the style was the "football" relief but with a diamond around the screw. See below. In 1968 the diamond went away. Before 1956 there was no relief on left side (and these are hard to load so I know why it was added).

__________________
No life story has happy end.

I have a 1962 15-2. It has diamond service stocks. The grips are numbered to the gun.