As I'm checking out some single stock panels for the gun I have that only needs one, I noticed something that I haven't really seen discussed much.

Concerning K frame square butt magnas, I notice that at least 2 of my guns from the 1950s era have diamond stocks which are somewhat rounded at the bottom corner, where the side wraps around to the bottom, or butt. It doesnt really seem to be from wear, as the finish is not worn off.

Other diamond stocks seem to have a much sharper corner around the bottom. Does anyone know if this is random, or if it indicates a particular time period?

Josh P

I have heard the rounded-bottom ones referred to as "PC" for "plain clothes" suggesting they might be worn under a jacket and the square edged ones might snag or just rub the inside of the jacket wrong. I don't have any documentation for this, so take it with a rather large grain of salt, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Froggie

I think what you may have noticed is the bevel at the bottom for concealed carry. Helps keep them from "printing". These are usually found on the snubbies, where 4 inand uo have the flat bottomed non beveled edges. Someone who can explain it better will probably chime in shortly.

Nothing much more to explain, you're both right. They were used from c.1952 to c.1967, therefore all came with diamonds.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

My 4" M10-7 from 1979 came with the "Modified Magnas" (also called PC) so they were available long after 1967. Often seen various K frames including longer barrel guns so not sure about the enhanced concealment comments.

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No life story has happy end.

It is my understanding that the rule of thumb, if not set in stone, is that guns with fixed sights got PC magnas, regardless of barrel length, while those with adjustable sights got standard magnas.

Thanks guys. Makes sense. I wonder how hard it would be to take a regular one and bevel it down to a PC one? I have a chance to buy a nice right panel I need to replace, but then I'll have a straight and a beveled.

JP

Yes, very easy to round off. However check carefully, I believe the checkered panel is a little longer on the standard straight edge grips. They wouldn't match when you got done.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I had limited my remarks to the period in the original post, the diamond grip era. You're absolutely correct and thanks for the clarification for other posters.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Just thought I would add a few pics, with everything S&W nothing is absolute.

M&P snubs are found with flat bottom Magnas until about 1950 when they began appearing with the rounded edge PC Magnas.


Most target site K frames have flat bottom grips,
one known exception is the 4" Model 14-2 (center) with its factory numbered PC Magnas.



PS,
Looks like the checkering is higher at the bottom , sanding a flat pair down may cut into the checkering.

Hey, thanks for the info. Nice guns, and pics. Yes the checkering does look a little different. I decided not to try to do the rounding off anyway. Going to just watch for a good deal on a pair.

JP