Someone once told me that the factory during this time period use to match the stocks to the gun finish this way.Any truth to this, because I recall seeing a lot in the reverse over the years.

What time period ??

1960's to the end of the 70's

I don't know about the factory, but FWIW, I've always matched wood up that way on my guns, going with the lighter for nickel and darker for blue. I don't know why, but it always just looked better to me.

My s&w nickel revolvers have a darker colored stocks. My blues s&w revolvers have the lighter colored stocks. The darker color actually looks good on the nickel.

Personally, I prefer darker wood on any handgun, and particularly on stainless guns or those with a nickeled finish.

I would have to agree! There are some beautiful light grips out there, but dark have always appealed to me more. Bob

I'm the original owner of this unmodified Colt from 1977 that I recently sold:

I think the factory was so busy in the 1960-'80 time frame that they would not have had the time or inclination to color match the stocks. Getting the guns assembled and out the door would have been (is) the priority.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I have seen instances of guns on this sight where boths ways on both guns look real good.

Keith Brown has pics on his site of Nickel and Stainless revolvers wearing gorgeous walnut stocks.

I have seen blued guns with Birdseye maple and other light stocks like Osage Orange, and they look amazing.

To me, I think a nice set of stocks look great on a nice Smith and Wesson.

My wrinkle: I love the look of smooth targets on Nickel and Stainless guns.

I like the gold in the wood with the nickel. But... I have been thinking about white pearl grips for this model 36. Sort of pimp's gun style