Correct Target Grips ...17-3

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Empe

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I have an early 1970's 17-3 that came with a set of magna grips as well as a pair of Target grips. I don't think the Target grips are correct for the gun though and would like to know what the correct ones should look like.
The ones I have have a rather large cut out for a speed loader unlike the correct pair on my 14-1 which have a much smaller cut out.
Any pictures or description of the correct Target grips for this model would be appreciated .
 
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There is a section of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson that talks about target grips, and grip changes in general.

As far as I can tell, target stocks manufactured in the early 1970's would have had the extractor relief cut, and by mid-late 70's, the speed loader cut. Around 1973 the circle insert was changed from blued steel to stainless.

I have examples made from smooth rosewood, checkered walnut, or smooth or checkered Goncalo Alves all from that period. Checkered dark Goncalo Alves grips with the extractor cut are my favorites from that period. I think the grips may have had the blued or silver/stainless inserts depending on the model, but I am not sure. The stainless inserts were introduced on the stainless guns, and then replaced the blued inserts completely at some date.



20201230-121430.jpg
 
The correct target stocks for a Model 17-3 shipped in the early 70s would be made of American walnut and have the relieved area on the left stock panel. The stock circle securing the S&W monogram to the panel would be made of unfinished steel (very early 70s, it may have a black oxide finish).

Bill
 
The Model 17-3 was replaced by the -4 in 1977. That was about a year before the first K frame target stocks appeared with the speed loader cut. So, a dash 3 shipped with target stocks would only have the extractor relief (also called a "football" cut). As Bill stated, the wood would have been American walnut.
 
A speed loader cut out and the extractor /football cut out . The ones on my 17-3 have the speed loader cut out then but should have the football or extractor cut out to be correct for the year like the ones on my 14-1.
I have seen these terms used but never really pieced it all together until now .
Nothing wrong with the ones I have as they are in very nice condition and are rather attractive but I will probably be replacing them with the " correct " ones at some point . I have noticed that on ebay at least original S&W grips are not inexpensive.
Thanks for the information and education.
 
Last edited:
If the correct grips were walnut, I assume they would look like one of these, but someone else would have to confirm that.
 

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