smith 15-3 correct grips?

[tug700]

what are the correct grips for a model 15-3, Serial No, 5K467xx?

The revolver is outstanding but it came with rubber grips. I think the previous owner kept the grips considering the sale price.

 

[PatriotX]

Mine came with Magnas, not the PC variety but the squared-off versions. It was just a bit earlier than yours.

 

[mikeruns]

I think it will have come with standard square magnas. The 2.5" version will have shipped with pc type magnas. Sometimes, an individual may have ordered, or a company or Leo agency may have ordered them with factory target stocks. Very often, people would take the original stocks off and replace with rubber grips because they were more grippy and would absorb recoil better and give a better feel in general. Many people think the original stocks feel best…to each his own but, there was a long time where people would just give away these original stocks or throw them away with the original box as they were hard to give away for a time. Now, they are and can be very valuable….most likely, the original stocks have been gone for decades rather than the former owner rubbing his hands like Snidely Whiplash coveting the original stocks as you drove away after the sale lol!

 

[murphydog]

It depends on the barrel length. I have seen no original 4" guns with the rounded bottom or PC Magnas but the 2" came with either style, probably depending on whichever was at the top of the bin of stocks the day it was assembled.

 

[VaTom]

Here is my 15-3 4" (1974) serial 5K85XXX. It has original grips numbered to the revolver. This may help.

 

[tug700]

Thanks for all responses. Especially, VaTom. My 25-3 looks like yours but I minor lines from the cylinder being rotated. Thankfully, I have a pair of grips that look like yours. You have a beautiful revolver.

 

[JP@AK]

the 2" came with either style, probably depending on whichever was at the top of the bin of stocks the day it was assembled.

I don't know, Alan. I suspect the PC and standard Magna stocks were stored in different bins. After all, they were standard for different models and variations (in the case of the short barrel Combat Masterpiece).

Also, I haven't ever seen a 2" Model 15 that didn't ship with the PC stocks. They might be out there, but I've not seen one.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I still have the original stocks for my 4" 15-3 and believe they're numbered to the frame.

I'm curious as to why Smith numbered them. We're the stocks hand fitted to each frame?

 

[JP@AK]

I'm curious as to why Smith numbered them. We're (sic) the stocks hand fitted to each frame?

Yes, until about 1980, when the numbering stopped.