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08-17-2017, 08:51 PM
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New grips - S&W product , or knock-off?
I acquired a set of K frame target grips today. They came from a nice fellow who is not a gun guy , more of a buy-a-box-of-stuff-at-estate-sale- and-resell-on-Craigslist type guy. Nothing wrong with that. Anyway , the grips appear unused , and the price was very good.
My question : are these grips product of Smith & Wesson , or a copy thereof? The checkering is VERY sharp , and the dimply character of the medallions have me wondering. There are no backing plates for the medallions. Fit is quite acceptable.
What do I have here???
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08-17-2017, 08:57 PM
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Looks like '80's vintage Target stocks to me.
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08-17-2017, 09:21 PM
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Most of my revolvers are older than that era of grips and all the emblems on mine from the '50s through the '80s look very similar. They do not look like yours. On mine the letters and diamonds in the emblem are smooth. They all have backing plates as well.
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08-17-2017, 09:31 PM
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Genuine S&W target stocks. From the speed loader relief cut they would be from the early 80's or later. They look unused - probably taken off anew gun when the owner installed their preference.
Adios,
Pizza Bob
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08-17-2017, 11:29 PM
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The absence of any washer plus the quality of the medallions cause me to guess they are not factory stocks. However, they look suspiciously like some of the aftermarkets coming out of Taiwan that are sold on e-bay. The wood quality, finish and fit is usually pretty good. hardcase60
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08-18-2017, 04:42 AM
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Grips/stocks, are a very personal thing. Of course you want nice looking wood ones. (maybe) The most important part is that they feel good in your hand. I attempt no finger groove stocks. They don't fit me, so I know better. Would like to have original or era correct for all my Smith revolvers. Good luck on your hunt! Bob
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08-18-2017, 06:27 AM
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The last factory Target stocks omitted the stock washers; they just had an inletted section of wood that fit the upper grip frame recess as the washer did.
The replica stocks have different contours and checkering than the factory ones, and I am guessing these are the latter. Do they have a date stamp on the inside?
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08-18-2017, 07:36 AM
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Pictures of the inside would make this easier, they sure look good on the gun! compare them to a set of known GA targets. No washer,nothing marked on inside=possible knock-off
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08-18-2017, 07:54 AM
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I will post an image of the inside surfaces later today. Also - side by side with known S&W targets.
""they sure look good on the gun!" Thanks - they replaced a set of Pachs on a cosmetically challenged but mechanically excellent model 15.
Factory or replica , I cannot get hurt at the price I paid : $40.
Last edited by Waveski; 08-18-2017 at 07:57 AM.
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08-18-2017, 08:23 AM
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WHATEVER THEY ARE, THEY ARE PLEASING TO THE EYE. AT THAT PRICE, I WOULD HAVE PURCHASED THEM, EVEN IF I DIDN'T NEED THEM......
IF THEY FIT YOUR HAND, AND ALLOW YOU GOOD GUN CONTROL, THEY ARE A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN.........
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08-18-2017, 08:58 AM
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Those are an example of the last version of factory-produced wood stocks. The Asian knockoffs, no matter how pretty the wood and/or nicely checkered, always feature cheap soft brass escutcheons and screws.
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Last edited by -db-; 08-18-2017 at 09:01 AM.
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08-18-2017, 08:42 PM
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More images
Ok , here is more photo info--- The backs of the grips , side by side with a good pair of factory targets , profile of the gun the grips are mounted to , and - just for fun - a target from today's brief range session. In the side by side , the upper is the new grip pair , the lower is a set of K frame targets on my model 17.
Notes : Both sets of grips shown have steel grip screws (magnet test). The escutcheons seem similar. There are no numbers or other markings on the inside of the new grips. The model 15 shown has worn finish , but is mechanically very good. Wide hammer , sweet trigger. It cost me $199 ; add the $40 grips and I am in it for a whopping $239. The target range was 12 yards , sa , no bench rest.
I hope the images provide enough info to determine the authenticity of the grips , or lack thereof. Enjoy the images.
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08-18-2017, 08:51 PM
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Those look like factory original speed loader cut target stocks from the mid to late 80's to me.
As stated S&W ceased using the metal washers inside in the early mid 80's
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08-18-2017, 09:01 PM
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Great photos! In my original post I guessed the stocks were aftermarket. Now I'm unsure. Either way for the price you did good. As to the price you paid for the Model 15 in most states that's considered theft. LOL. hardcase60
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08-18-2017, 09:29 PM
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Nice looking stocks, nice looking gun and good shooting.
Now that is a trifecta.
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08-18-2017, 09:56 PM
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Those are factory targets. No serial number because you bought them in a blister pack at the gun store to replace the factory magnas. About $20 or less back in the day. I bought several sets to upgrade magnas with. Look great on your gun. Enjoy.
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08-19-2017, 11:14 AM
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The consensus is late factory targets. Never know what one will find when wandering around on Craigslist - I wasn't even grip shopping , lucky me!
Thanks to all for the input.
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