S&W's iconic diamonds around the grip screws were eliminated around 1968. I realize that most engineering changes were done for production cost savings. Was that the case with the 'diamond grips' or was there some other reason such as wanting a new look?
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Diamond grips
- Thread starter dpsix
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Good question.
First, keep in mind that determining motive, absent any clear statement from those doing whatever is being considered, is something of a guessing game.
That said, it is important to put this change in the context of the times. In 1965, the Wesson family divested itself of the S&W Company. It was sold to an international conglomerate, the Bangor Punta Corporation. Over the next few years, several changes took place in S&W revolvers that I believe can be attributed to reducing production costs. The first was the elimination of all the flat latches (thumbpieces) on the J frame and KA frame guns. That happened in c. 1966.
Sometime in 1967, the phase-out of the smooth diamond at the screw location on both Magna and Target stocks began. By mid-1968, the diamonds were all gone. It is easy to see how this would be a positive step toward reducing both time and cost in the production process. I strongly tend toward the belief that those reasons account for the changes. If I'm wrong about that, it won't be the first time in my life!
If someone actually knows that this is untrue and can document the correction of my belief, I would be happy to be set straight.
First, keep in mind that determining motive, absent any clear statement from those doing whatever is being considered, is something of a guessing game.
That said, it is important to put this change in the context of the times. In 1965, the Wesson family divested itself of the S&W Company. It was sold to an international conglomerate, the Bangor Punta Corporation. Over the next few years, several changes took place in S&W revolvers that I believe can be attributed to reducing production costs. The first was the elimination of all the flat latches (thumbpieces) on the J frame and KA frame guns. That happened in c. 1966.
Sometime in 1967, the phase-out of the smooth diamond at the screw location on both Magna and Target stocks began. By mid-1968, the diamonds were all gone. It is easy to see how this would be a positive step toward reducing both time and cost in the production process. I strongly tend toward the belief that those reasons account for the changes. If I'm wrong about that, it won't be the first time in my life!
If someone actually knows that this is untrue and can document the correction of my belief, I would be happy to be set straight.
Directives to eliminate the diamond around the escutcheon and nut on all stocks except NT and KT (target stocks) were issued on October 11, 1965 and January 11, 1966, and marked the beginning of the change to modern style of stock without the diamond. Magna stocks without the diamond first appeared in 1966. The directive to eliminate the diamond around the escutcheon and nut on NT and KT stocks was issued on December 28, 1967. Diamond target stocks were exhausted by January 1969.
The reason(s) for issuing these directives is not listed, but most likely it was cost reduction
Similarly, and without a directive as far as I know, coke bottle style stocks were phased out beginning in early 1966 for the Model 29 and 57 in favor of regular diamond target stocks made of Goncalo alves. This simplified manufacturing by eliminating a special stock and (most likely) resulted in a reduction in manufacturing cost.
Bill
The reason(s) for issuing these directives is not listed, but most likely it was cost reduction
Similarly, and without a directive as far as I know, coke bottle style stocks were phased out beginning in early 1966 for the Model 29 and 57 in favor of regular diamond target stocks made of Goncalo alves. This simplified manufacturing by eliminating a special stock and (most likely) resulted in a reduction in manufacturing cost.
Bill
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Not that I follow new S&Ws but in recent years they have been in a revival of the diamond grips but the new style, while they look nice, pale in comparison to the older diamond grips.
Bill
Excellent detail. Thanks for posting. These dates tend to confirm my thought that the changes resulted from the shift in ownership and were probably related to cost-cutting. Makes all the sense in the world.
In my professional life, I went through a couple corporate regime changes, and they always resulted in a significant review of costs. That's a normal result of new leadership in the corporate world.
Excellent detail. Thanks for posting. These dates tend to confirm my thought that the changes resulted from the shift in ownership and were probably related to cost-cutting. Makes all the sense in the world.
In my professional life, I went through a couple corporate regime changes, and they always resulted in a significant review of costs. That's a normal result of new leadership in the corporate world.
Jack Flash
SWCA Member
No matter the justification given, whenever a step / process in the manufacture of an item is eliminated, my skeptical mind immediately chalks it up to cost savings, IE, improved profits. Corporations are infamous for their cheerful double talk.
I don't keep up very well with current production either. Doesn't S&W just subcontract out the manufacture of stocks now? If so, S&W must believe this is "cost effective".
In all fairness, if they ran the business to suit me, it probably would have gone bankrupt decades ago.
I don't keep up very well with current production either. Doesn't S&W just subcontract out the manufacture of stocks now? If so, S&W must believe this is "cost effective".
In all fairness, if they ran the business to suit me, it probably would have gone bankrupt decades ago.
Jack Flash
SWCA Member
I still lament the passing of quarter vents on car windows. 
bananaman
Member
I have an original pair of the S&W Diamond target grips that are in excellent condition with a very nice figure in the grain. Any idea as to their value ?
Pictures???
No pictures .....I'm not interested in selling them . I just have a pair and was curious what they might be worth in the condition I described.
$200-$400 depending on the type of wood and age.
Bill
Bill
This is why pictures will help give you a precise value.
Understood ....however posting decent quality pictures is not yet one of my strong points. The particular grips I was inquiring about came on a 1961 S&W Model 14-1 that I purchased a few years ago . The gun came in excellent condition with the original serial # box ,owners manual ,Target Hammer,Trigger and Diamond Target stocks/grips . The grips are a little too large for my hand and I replaced them with a very nice pair of NOS Herretts which I find more comfortable than the originals .
As I stated earlier I am not interested in selling them, they will stay with the gun . I was just curious as to a ball park value.
Thanks for your input !
Empe...Assuming the stocks are walnut and checkered, a ballpark value is $225. The value is a little higher if they are made of Goncalo alves.
Bill
Bill
Non Relieved "N" Diamond Target Stocks
Cannot say this is the norm but I was looking for a set while attending the symposium and found two sets, first was priced at $450.00 the other was priced at $500.00. Both were constructed from Walnut, needless to say I am still looking! In conclusion either you have a set of great value or those I found were way over priced.
To be fair you may not have been asking about the "N" frame and I did not price any "K" frame target stocks so please disregard if my reply does not correspond to your question.
Cannot say this is the norm but I was looking for a set while attending the symposium and found two sets, first was priced at $450.00 the other was priced at $500.00. Both were constructed from Walnut, needless to say I am still looking! In conclusion either you have a set of great value or those I found were way over priced.
To be fair you may not have been asking about the "N" frame and I did not price any "K" frame target stocks so please disregard if my reply does not correspond to your question.
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I have two sets of Cokes and one set of diamond targets. Love them all. Out of all the wood S&W stocks, the cokes feel the best in my hand.
Ole Joe Clark
Absent Comrade
Yep ...they are walnut & checkered....thanks !
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