Put Targets on my 617 and Took it Shooting

[gfors]

I absolutely love the way the factory Combats look on my 617 (no dash), but I find the gun muzzle-heavy, and need stocks with a little more meat. I put a set of “sanded 2x4’s” washerless target stocks, and the gun steadies much better for me. I don’t think I’m giving up much in the looks department, either. Of course, this revolver could make even Pachmayrs look good.
Took it to the range last night, to give the new grips a try, and I like the way they work! First target shows first 18 shots with the new stocks. One hand, double-action, 25 yards. Definitely room for improvement, but these are better results than with the Combats.
Second target shows a string from the 615, a 66 ND, and a Springfield RO in .45ACP.

[Narragansett]

Nice targets! You just beat me out on buying them

[FifthWheel]

Nice, I also like Target stocks.

[AveragEd]

I do too - in fact, I assembled a collection of them with nicely figured wood several years ago and every now and then, a gun comes along that just needs a set. The attached photos are of a 4" 617 wearing a set and a no-dash 67 I recently adopted.

There's little to dislike about Combat stocks except for their lack of comfort for most people. But then, folks complain about Targets stocks too...

Ed

[Grayfox]

I have a three guns that came new with the Combat Stocks which I have traded out for Targets.
I've always wondered just what the Hell was S&W thinking when they put Combats on 6" barreled guns that are obviously intended for target shooting? It makes no sense to me.

[Babysitr]

It might make no sense,but these big ole mits fit my 617 no dash with combats real nice! of course, the GA targets feel good too! such a problem to have

[lunger]

Haven't found a set of factory ones yet. So I put a set of Thailand ones on my 617. They feel great. My groups also tightened up .

Hmmm maybe that why they called them targets

[Green Frog]

Originally Posted by Grayfox

I have a three guns that came new with the Combat Stocks which I have traded out for Targets.
I've always wondered just what the Hell was S&W thinking when they put Combats on 6" barreled guns that are obviously intended for target shooting? It makes no sense to me.

Mr Grayfox, I have just the opposite attitude. I have never found a pair of factory grips that fit MY hand as well as the smooth finger groove combats. Even for competitive target work (which admittedly I don't do much of any more) I can get the best control of a square butt K-frame regardless of length of barrel.

Factory Target Grips certainly get the prize for beauty and with some of the fancy wood that shows up on some of them they can be outstanding... they just don't work for me to shoot, so I have to resort to "pretty is as pretty does" and go with the Combats. As with all opinions, this one is mine... YMMV.

Froggie