Identification Between K and N frame target stocks

[VaTom]

Local auction coming up. One of the lots is a box of used grips. Most are rubber but a pair of S&W targets in there. Are the factory target stocks stamped on back with K or N to idetify. Don't recall.

As a lot of auctions you have to buy the whole box to get the one good item!!!

 

[daddio202]

I have seen them stamped with an N more commonly aftermarket grips, but the factory target stocks do not have any identifying features over the K frame targets. The only way to tell for sure is the size with the N being slightly larger. Same with the magnas the only difference being the older magnas have the serial of original gun stamped into right stock. Very rare to have serial numbers stamped into target stocks. I am sure this is no help but many of wrong size stocks have been sold and complained about in the past by purchaser and most of the time the seller also not knowing exactly the frame size the stocks belong to.

 

[Joe Hohmann]

I have one pair from a 686. It is only stamped with a date, Aug, 26, 1989. Why a date is on it I haven't a clue.

 

[Marshal Kane]

Ditto the above. As posted the N frame target and magna stocks are taller than the K frame stocks but they are very similar in appearance. You might trace your stock on a sheet of paper and bring it to the auction so you can tell which stocks they are auctioning.

 

[VaTom]

Ditto the above. As posted the N frame target and magna stocks are taller than the K frame stocks but they are very similar in appearance. You might trace your stock on a sheet of paper and bring it to the auction so you can tell which stocks they are auctioning.

Great idea! Don't have any k frame targets but lots of standard.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

They are pretty similar.
But being a guy who likes to get a Grip, I would be more interested in condition and overall looks.
I prefer the darker grips with pattern-grain.

 

[Ga Johnny]

every now and then you'll see them marked as NT or KT either 38, 357, or the N's sometimes 430 depending on the caliber of the gun they started out on. But the best way I've found to tell um apart is the distance behind the washer to the edge of the wood, on an N frame it's a fat 1/4" K frame about 1/4-3/8"

 

[murphydog]

I have one pair from a 686. It is only stamped with a date, Aug, 26, 1989. Why a date is on it I haven't a clue.

For a while the S & W wood shop stamped a date on the stocks. If you know they are original the date is probably pretty close to the gun’s production date.

 

[VaTom]

For a while the S & W wood shop stamped a date on the stocks. If you know they are original the date is probably pretty close to the gun’s production date.

The date on these is 1988. Good grain, little wear, no cracks/chips, etc. A little mildew on them but easily cleaned up. Looked at them today. Appear to be K Frame. The pachmyr grips in the box of used grips are K frame. Also a couple of Ruger wood grips. Hopefully I can get them.

 

[Jack Flash]

... Most are rubber but a pair of S&W targets in there. ...

Even the rubber ones may have enough value that you can sell them in the forum Classifieds and basically get the wood stocks for free.

I used to be able to buy Pachs at gun shows for $3 or $4. Maybe a like-new set would cost $5. Recently in the forum Classifieds I have been seeing them offered for $20. I wasn't interested enough to check back and see if they sold but you could do a search if you're interested.

 

[sceva]

This posting shows the differences

Scroll down to posts 7 and 8

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...rips-k-frame-grips.html?490807=#post139266995

 

[VaTom]

Update to My original Post- K or N Frame Targets ID

Went to auction this afternoon. Got the target stocks along with 2 used Pachmyrs for S&W and three sets of Ruger Wooden stocks and a couple of rifle recoil pads that were lumped together in same lot.

Upside is that the targets are in unbelievable condition!! (See Photos). Downside is the targets are for N frame. They don't fit my K frames (the "ears" at the top stick up too high). The only large frame S&W I have is a 1917 and it has a lanyard ring. Therefore I am left with a great pair of stocks and no revolver to put them on. They are stamped on inside with February 1988.(see picture).

 

[paplinker]

I would put a listing on the forum for a trade. Someone on this forum likely has a K set to part with.

 

[VaTom]

I would put a listing on the forum for a trade. Someone on this forum likely has a K set to part with.

Plan to list. Thanks for the encouragement!

 

[cgt4570]

It takes practice and a calibrated eye. I can tell the difference between K/L and the larger N grips 100% of the time. It's easier from the back. The length of the 'shelf' on either side of the rear washer is about twice as long on N frame.

 

[Smith657]

every now and then you'll see them marked as NT or KT either 38, 357, or the N's sometimes 430 depending on the caliber of the gun they started out on. But the best way I've found to tell um apart is the distance behind the washer to the edge of the wood, on an N frame it's a fat 1/4" K frame about 1/4-3/8"

May have been a mis-type but the N is about a 1/4" and the K/L is more like 1/8 to 3/16".

 

[k22fan]

[...] I am left with a great pair of [N frame] stocks and no revolver to put them on. [...]

There is only one solution to your problem. I suggest .44 Magnum for your new revolver. They can be loaded down to a 180 grain bullet at 700 fps to kick like a .38 or warmed up for bears.

I realize this is too late but the way I tell them apart is that the shelves ahead of and behind the disk are the same width in N frame stocks. In K frame stocks the shelf on the back strap side of the disc is not as wide as the shelf in front of the disk.

 

[growr]

The simple solution is to buy an N frame for your grips to go on.....I know a number of fellow forum members that have bought a gun because they had a way cool holster for it......

Now, "I" have never done such a thing as that, but have heard of such things from some of the other enablers on this forum!

Randy