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So... through the '60s and '70s, N frame Target grips had the extractor relief cut.

The Standard Catalog says that S&W changed the N frame Target grips over to the speedloader cut in "the early 80s".

I was wondering if the forum sleuths had any more specific data.
Or if "the early 80s" was as close as we know.

Maybe it was helter-skelter-y?
With different models getting the new style grips at different times?

If anyone knows I'd be interested to hear.

Much obliged,

James

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Seems like the Kernel or Murph could narrow it down.

Target grip style changed a few times from introduction of the non relieved target grip sometime around 1950 to the "Football relieved" style and finally the "Speed loader cut" style, S&W didnt throw away perfectly good parts when a design changed instead they simply used up old stock until they were gone then changed to the new style.

There are no hard fast rules with S&W but IMO Model 29-2s are usually seen with football relieved target grips where 29-3's seem to usually have speed loader cut relieved grips.

Goblin,

I don't know these people you name exact, but this reminds me of when I started a thread about my Daddy's "Combat Magnum" (pre-model 19).

RKmesa posted:
"Can you do me a favor and take a photo of the back strap - I'm trying to determine when they went from a 6 groove back strap to a 10 groove BS."

Doc44 replied:
"RK...Can't give you exact information, but Combat Magnum K261345 (June 1956) has six grooves and K264305 (August 1957) has ten grooves. All we need to do is fill is a few more data points and we should have the information you want."

So, yeah, that's why I always ask.
You never know WHO is going to know WHAT around here.
Lotta knowledge!

James

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Thanks EG.
Yeah, so... the 29-3 came out in '82.
The 27-3 came out in '82 as well.
Wonder if anybody knows what grips the 27-2 vs. the 27-3 had?

James

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I don't know when they changed the grips but I know they used -2 parts on -3 guns as my 29-2 does not have a pinned barrel or recessed chambers. But my guess is they changed grips along that time. A -3 could have had either style.

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