Correct grips for a 24-3: Very confused

[MarkHayden]

My favorite gun store had a very nice 24-3 with Pachmeyer grips. I couldn’t pass on another N frame, so I bought it. At home, I couldn’t wait to get the PAC’s off of it and install some factory Targets. The SCSW says this pistol was 1983 vintage.

The following photos show three different S&W Targets; 1983 Target grips, 1970s Targets, and some pre-1957 grips (diamond around the screw).

My confusion is this: The pre-1957 grips fit like a glove on my 1983 pistol. The other grips, both Targets of later vintage, clearly do not fit.

Any information about this issue is greatly appreciated.

Mark

[Muley Gil]

Mine came with targets.

Both sets of targets that you have look like K frame, not N frame.

[MarkHayden]

WOW! Muley Gil, you are correct. I tried both non-fitting grips on the only K frame I own, a 1961 22 Remington Jet. They fit perfectly! What a relief.

Thanks for your quick reply. I’ll sleep better tonight.

Mark

[mmande]

The 24-3 was an anomaly. It was produced with left over barrels in 1983, after the switch to speed loader cut out on the grips. BUT, they were shipped with football relief grips to more closely match the original model 24s. I don't know how they accomplished that at the factory but that's the way I have ever seen any NIB examples of 24-3s.
Mike

[6string]

S&W also offered smooth Goncalo Alves target grips, as an option, at the time!

[MarkHayden]

Thanks for your input. What good news! I really don’t care for the ‘83 speedloader grips. Now I have two options; checkered football or smooth grips (which my supervisor prefers).

[pantannojack]

When I first saw cut out grips, I thought it was a place to put your thumb knuckle for better hold.