How do I know if my grips are for my revolver….

[doubletapp357]

I’m trying to get some clarification and information on how to determine if your grips are matched to your pistol or not….
Are the grips supposed to match the serial number?
How can I find the appropriate lot or serial number to match my gun…..

It’s for a Pre Model 28 from the 1950s…..

Thank you

 

[444 Magnum]

If the pistol originally had target grips, they likely would not be numbered to the pistol, although I've heard some were.

If magnas, the serial number was stamped on the right grip of the set. This was done at the factory as part of the fitting/assembly process.

A factory letter should identify the type of grips your pistol shipped with.

These are from a pre-Model 40 Centennial.

Others with more expertise will probably be along to elaborate.

 

[Alk8944]

If the stocks on your revolver are the standard Magna style, which was the normal style for the Highway Patrolman, they will have the serial number of the revolver stamped in the back of the right stock. If they are target stocks they usually were not numbered to the gun so there would be no way to know unless you request a factory letter for the gun, and that will only tell they were target style. If they are magnas and the number doesn't match the gun then they do not belong on that gun and they originally were on a different gun, not necessarily another Highway Patrolman.

There is absolutely no way to find the original stocks for your gun except by extreme luck. They may be on another of several million other N frame revolvers, or they may have been destroyed. The best you could hope for is a set with a serial number close to your guns SN.

 

[Jack Flash]

Here's an excellent reference you may want to consult. Yours should be "checkered diamond magnas", 1946 to 1967.
Smith & Wesson N Frame Stocks / Grips - A Reference Guide

I like to post my HP so here it is with (I assume) the original stocks. I haven't lettered it but I believe it was manufactured in 1954.

 

[nedlate]

I’m trying to get some clarification and information on how to determine if your grips are matched to your pistol or not….
Are the grips supposed to match the serial number?
How can I find the appropriate lot or serial number to match my gun…...

Thank you

I see in the other thread on your Highway Patrolman that you had pulled the grips and saw a serial number on them.
Does that number match the serial number on the butt of the gun?
If so then those are the original grips, it not they are still the proper grip for
Your Highway Patrolman (pre-28).

Great looking gun by the way!