I want to hear the opinions from the wiregrass about Smith serial numbers and number on the right grip.

I have had three S and W model 520s. The first I bought new when they first became available. The grip number did not match. The next two were bought on line. Neither had matching grip numbers.

I have learned on this forum the 520s most likely shared grips with the model 57s.

I have a lettered Combat Magnum my uncle bought new. The serial number is 26000xx. The grip number is 260168.

I have a model 57 no dash with “cokes” that have no number.

And lastly, I have a 1950 HE with grips that look like they’ve been on the gun since it left Smith back in the 50’s, and yes, the grips don’t match.

So here’s the questions for discussion:
1) Is the grip number that important to you?
2) Yes, it’s great if the numbers match but isn’t it possible some were wrong from the factory?
3) Has the wrong numberd grip ever been a deal breaker either when buying or selling a Smith?

Looking forward to the post.

Bob

Let me take a whack at this

First off, target stocks were never serialed from the factory

1) The number is quite important if the gun is being sold at a premium. It's value is similar to a vehicle with matching numbers...when everything is the way it left the factory, the price goes up considerably. If the stocks were somehow misnumbered from the manufacturer (rare), it's the buyers responsibility to refuse the gun on delivery. Of course condition is a huge factor. If the stocks are all beat up but matching, you won't get any more for it

You mentioned the 520, which is a well documented event in Smith's history, so no foul on those. Having said that, that doesn't mean one get's a free pass on other guns. Also there's the unmarked stocks, which in some cases could be correct, especially the more recent efforts. This is my best understanding on this, but like anything, it's an opinion

Just like Jeff Spicolli said...Learn it-Live it

2) & 3)---See 1

Best Regards

Point well taken. I agree 100% on the 520s.

Hi, Bob. You will get various opinions on this, and mine follows.
1. In most cases grip numbers are important to me.
Among my collector acquaintances, the vast majority weigh matching grips heavily into the value equation, and many will not even be interested in ownership (unless the piece being considered is quite hard to find). There are those who have told me that they simply don't care. So, this is an area where personal taste is a major factor. But, for me, a mismatched numbered part is a mismatched part.
2. It is possible that the numbers could be wrong from the factory. Human error seems to have no boundaries. I suspect that most mismatches occurred post-factory.
3. Yes. While buying, there are many offers that I have passed on solely because the grips were wrong. As for selling, if I had a mismatch for sale I would make it clear to a buyer that the grips do not match.
I do own a Mod.10 that has mismatched grips - the last digit is off by one number. Did that happen at the factory or on the bench of an armorer, or what? It doesn't bother me at all, as a matter of fact I see it as a novelty. The stocks are in the box with the gun that is now wearing a set of sambar stags.

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I've owned two Model 520's so far, both bought ANIB...Both had PC Magnas numbered close, but not quite to the S/N......Ben

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Just a bit of a correction.

Target stocks were seldom numbered to a gun but not as previously stated never.
Just one of those cases where you don't want to say never with S&W items.

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

JH,
Thanks for the reply.
I have encountered on more than one occasion a dealer who try’s to blame mismatched grips on the factory.
I know human error is always possible but not to the extent I’ve seen on guns at gun shows where the seller is trying to place blame on the factory.
As for your model 10, I can see where that could be a factory mistake being just one number off. Also, nothing like a nice set of stag grips.

I’m betting there is way more grip swapping post-factory than at the factory.
I’ve done some myself.
So far, have never seen Factory numbered Target Grips.
Having the correct grips is more important to me than the number.
Here’s a couple of 19s.
One came from the factory with the grips pictured.
The other? Beats me! I put those Targets on it.

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Thanks for taking time to reply. I to think there is more post factory grip swapping than factory mistakes.

I've had 2 or 3 M520's in my collection in the past, and have inspected many more, none of them had matching serial numbered grips.

S&W was working to get the M520's ready for the NYSP when "they" happened to show the NYSP the new L frame models, leading to the NYSP changing their minds and cancelling the M520 order, instead going with the L frames.

Because of this the S&W factory just started slapping grips on the M520's to get them out to the market, leading to this issue.

That's what I heard anyway, and it makes sense.

BTW - the M520's were very slow movers....... nobody wanted them back then...

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At a show some years ago a guy was looking to sell the 28-2 he was toting around. He wasnt knowledgeable about matching grip numbers and agreed to remove them for inspection. The numbers were off by a fair amount, definitely not close enough that it could have happened at the factory. We did a quick haggle and it was mine for $370. Shortly after I found a $5 set of Pachs and swapped them out at home. I would later sell the gun to a friend for the $375 I had in it, and ended up with a decent pair of N frame magnas for my trouble.

If the numbers had been matching he could more easily justify his asking price (and if they were matching or even close, I would NEVER have separated them). I did tell my friend about it before our deal was made and he had no problem with it. Neither him nor the original seller were Smith guys, but hey, no one is perfect!

At another show I found 2 nice sets of RB K frame magnas for the whopping price of $3 ea. One had no sn stamped inside so likely was once sold separately on a gun shop blister pack. That set now goes with the 19-4 from my dad, who received it lightly used years ago with Goodyears installed. No, it is still not original, but probably as close as one can reasonably get, and I feel better having it like that.

I have a set of non relieved diamond targets that appear to have the factory applied serial number, but they do not match the pre-model 27 they are on. But even if they did, it wouldn't "prove" the number was applied by the factory. But I think it was. I also have a set of Goncalo N diamond football targets that have the serial number on the gun they were on...but on the left panel and not appearing to be factory (Model of 1950 Target 45 ACP). Pretty easy to say this wasn't applied by the factory, at least when the gun first left the factory.

Won't even consider how easy it would probably be for someone to add a correct appearing serial number to a grip which could have easily been done back in the day with no ill intent.

I've been wondering where they all are . That's my Grail gun, but doubt I could afford one now.


When everybody finally learns there's only 3000 of them, they get real popular.

My 28-2 came with the ugliest set of target grips I've ever seen on any revolver except for the ones which came on my Rugar .45. I took them off and stashed them away for later. If I ever sell the gun they go back on. The Rugar grips came off and it is highly likely I'll use them for firewood. I should have refused the Rugar outright but didn't want to wait until it was replaced. It now sports a nice set of walnut grips from a tree I cut down and slabbed to make grips. B'un a lumberjack sure is rewarding.

Back in the 1980s and 90s local gun shops had bins and barrels of wood grips from guns who's buyers wanted rubber grips... and would buy and swap grips before even leaving the shop. Lots of numbered grips on used guns would meet the same fate.........

You could get a set of these "cast off" grips, magna or target; even some presentation grips for $10-25.

Before Spegel Boot grips I'd take Target grips and shorten them by 3/8-7/16" and round the bottom edge for better concealed carry.

So the Combat Magnum has target grip that are numbered? Perhaps a few of these were ordered with Magnas (that would typically be numbered)?

I have a friend who picked up a boxed 520 cheap years ago. After reading this post I called and asked him to check his grips and, sure enough, the number does not match the gun. I reassured him that the grips are indeed original to the gun and the 520 may be the only example of a mismatched grip being the norm.

Aren't the serial numbers on the stocks in pencil?
That seems very imprecise and hazy to me.

It was the Model 58 that shared the same style stocks as the Model 520.

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SWCA#3597

Funny story ... some years back I traded away a K-38 with un-numbered stocks. A few months later it turns up for sale - with the correct matching numbered stocks!

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The old "Grip Box"...every shop had one and boy wouldn't it be nice to have what was tossed into those today!

About 10-15 years ago I visited a shop that had been in business for about 50 years at that time. They had the contents of the back room for sale on a row of tables. The owner saw me pawing through stuff and handed me a medium paper bag and offered me anything I could fit in it for $20. I filled it with Pachmayer grip boxes, but didn't take the time go examine each one. They turned out to be filled with "take-off" grips from new S&Ws and Colts whose purchasers wanted an "upgrade". The shop was near a military base I got to once or twice monthly and for the next few visits I'd give him a smile and ask "same deal?" He'd hand me another bag. The best stuff was in the first run, but I ended up with some Rugged Products faux pearls for odd brands, original grips from off-brand top-breaks and European autos and a few Herretts and Pachs. Filled the spaces with scope mounts and cleaning jags.

Most of it is gone now, but when I finish sorting through the garage I'll have the remains in the classifieds. If anybody wants Pach Signatures for a Browning BDA .380, boy have I got a deal for you!

Sadly the brothers who ran it died a couple of years apart. The widow of one and a long-time employee kept it going for a few more years but COVID finished off the trade and with it the shop. I wish I'd heard in time to make it to the going out of business sale. Hard to tell what else was lurking back there.

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