Grip Help: Cokes, Diamond Targets ID

4-Screw

4-Screw

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For all of the wood and grips experts. This is going to be a bit picture heavy, and I will number the grips that I have questions on.

#1: K-Diamond Targets
-This is one of the lightest wood grains that I have ever seen on Diamond Targets. They are black washers, and the numbering on the inside confuse me: "KT 357" and "5950". Does anyone know what those numbers mean? Also, what year do you think these are from?

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#2 N-Diamond Target/Coke Bottles:
-Any ideas on what type of wood? I was thinking and hoping they might be Rosewood, but then I thought they may just be darker from age, oil, etc. I included pictures of the back to make the ID easier. These are the ones I bought on Ebay for $17 (shipped) with a pair of K-diamond targets...11 years ago! The good 'ol days.

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#3....Mike/VM....here is another set of Cokes with the dent I was telling you about near the medallion...around 7:00-8:00. Do you think that ding can be steamed out or should I not worry about it?

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#4...just wanted to share these because they are so pretty:

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Love those dark Cokes! Don't know why but I've always preferred dark wood for handgun stocks. Thanks for showing them off.

Dave
 
I'm not an expert -- but a few comments.
#1 - I don't know what the numbers mean but I also have owned grips stamped with KT 357 on the inside. I always figured they were grips purchased as accessories and not shipped on a gun but I really don't know if that is true.
#2 - Sure looks like Rosewood to me. Want to sell them?
 
Wow, those are beautiful grips.

1. The left panel says 5950, and the right panel should say 5949. Those are S&W part numbers. Interestingly, I believe each panel could be ordered separately.

2. The Cokes appear to be made of goncalo alves. The unfinished side is the give away.

What else are you hiding? :)
 
jeremyws1 said:
1. The left panel says 5950, and the right panel should say 5949. Those are S&W part numbers.
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Yup, agree.

5950 Stock, Goncala Alves Target, left

4. Thanks for sharing them!!! Beautiful!! Those have to be one of the nicest sets I have seen! K-frame?
 
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Thanks all.

-I bought those light-colored Diamond K targets from a friend here. He also thought, at the time, that they were bought as an accessory.

-Jeremy, Goncalo Alves for the Cokes...not Rosewood? I am going to wait for someone else to reply who did not just drink a 12-pack of Schlitz...Goncalo? Give away? Yeah right.... :) ....just kidding, like I said, I have no clue on them. I trust your opinion though.

-The last pair of Diamond K Targets came on my 17-1.
 
They are black washers, and the numbering on the inside confuse me: "KT 357" and "5950". Does anyone know what those numbers mean? Also, what year do you think these are from?
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Hello
KT357 would mean K-Target frame of .357 Magnum Caliber. The 5950 is their part Number...:)
 
I read once (can't remember where) that the internal factory designations for various frames were KT357 = K target .38 / .357 NT44 = N Target 44 cal, NT45 = N Targer .45 cal. NT357 = N target .357 cal etc.
 
KT357 Diamond Targets.

The first pair marked KT-357 is for "K" Frame, "T" Target, "357" which indicates that these are for a Model 19. The Varnish finish on these stocks replaced the Oil Finish in the mid -1960's and predates the familiar Poly finish.

Note, if you look very closely, I'll bet those are plastic medallions. These are some of the very last of the K-frame Diamond Targets.

Early 19's had their target stocks numbered to the frames in some cases. if you look closely you may find serial numbers so stamped.

I believe that the "Rosewood" stocks are probably straight grain Gancalo that has been stained to duplicate Rosewood. Rosewood being so difficult to work with, authentic stocks made from this species are not common.

Drew
 
4-Screw said:
Thanks HD....would you happen to know what years they would have used that stamping system? In all of my years, I have never owned a pair of grips with that stamping for designation and part number.
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Hello 4 Screw
I can't help you with that request as most things S&W Nailing down specific date's of issue for Accessory items can be mind Boggling or sometimes to no avail. I have had later Non diamond style Target stocks with the back Ink stamped KT but no caliber designation. I would suspect yours were originally made for an early Model 19 .357 Revolver. ;)
 
I would estimate the stocks stamped KT 357 date to 67-68. They are the K-frame equivalent of stocks stamped NT 430 (that also have the part number stamped on them).

Bill
 
Doc44 said:
I would estimate the stocks stamped KT 357 date to 67-68. They are the K-frame equivalent of stocks stamped NT 430 (that also have the part number stamped on them).

Bill
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Hello Bill
It Always good to read your definitive answers on these questions. Can you tell us why the later ones did not have caliber designations stamped on them as I mentioned I did have a later set of target non diamond stocks simply Ink stamped KT on the rear. Was this done so they could place them on any Target sighted K-Frame revolver regardless of caliber ? I assumed they were stamped simply KT for the reasons I mentioned above here, but would like to hear your insight on the issue. Regards, Hammerdown
 
More info...

I have in my stock collection a pair of plain, walnut, oil finished, relieved "Diamond Targets" that were on a late 50's Pre-23 .38-44 Outdoorsman. These are marked "NT-38" and have alternating 4 digit SKU part numbers marked on the undersides.

The origional owner of this gun informed me that he replaced the Magna stocks on his Outdoorsman with these "NT-38" 's in the mid 1960's.

Hope this helps...
 
Thank you again everyone...I appreciate the insight and education. I will have to look on my Pre-19. I know it is all original, possibly new in box, so I am curious to see if the grips are serial numbered to the gun.

Drew, I will check if those KT-357s have plastic medalions as you mentioned. I was thinking that they were around '66, so thank you Bill on confirming I was in the ballpark.
 
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