Hi, all –

It appears that I may have finally found a pre model 19 to add to my modest collection. It does have aftermarket grips, which is OK, but I think I'd like to put something more original on it.

Can someone please tell me what kind(s) of grips were put on these? Serial number is a K263NNN. The more specific the information, the better for a newbie like me.

Thanks...

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M. Zimmers

Hi, all –

It appears that I may have finally found a pre model 19 to add to my modest collection. It does have aftermarket grips, which is OK, but I think I'd like to put something more original on it.

Can someone please tell me what kind(s) of grips were put on these? Serial number is a K263NNN. The more specific the information, the better for a newbie like me.

Thanks...

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M. Zimmers

mzimmers:
Congratulations on your find. I remember you have been on the prowl for some time now, complicated by your location. Below is a link with some interesting reading to a like question. http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5301039...411021642#8411021642

Ed

Thanks, Ed. I'm pleased with my find, though I suspect I'll still be looking for another one (one for the safe, one for the range).

So, from the link...it looks like diamond magna, diamond walnut combat or diamond combat goncalo could all be correct. I guess if I really want to "do it right," a letter is in order.

This information is helpful, though, so thanks.

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M. Zimmers

mzimmers, if you go to the thread reference by smith 17 and read the last post by Doc44 you'll get some good comments on the subject.
My pre-Model 19, serial# K 316966, is pictured in that thread and wears some nicely grained target stocks that appear (to me, anyway) to be Goncolo Alves with the extractor relief cut. My history letter says it shipped with walnut target grips. Mr. Jinks says in his history letter to me that the 1958 catalog shows non-relieved grips and he believes that is what should be on the gun.
As Doc44 suggests based on his vast experience, there's no definitive answer.

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John

OK, John...I'll look for some non-relieved, diamond, walnut or GA grips. Thanks.

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M. Zimmers

mzimmers, as Doc44 says in his comments on the above referenced thread, he's had some pre-Model 19's with very low serial numbers that had target grips with the extractor cutout. I think it's probably a toss-up on what they shipped with depending on what was in the "grip box" when they selected a pair to put on the gun in the factory. Just my opinion; I think mine looks fine with the cutout grips and I plan on keeping it that way.

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John