Here is my new/unfired 1968 29-2 for comparison:
1965 MODEL 29-2 with cokes
- Thread starter gkitch
- Start date
Those could be original to the gun. We'll wait to hear what Doc has to say. Here is his Expert Commentary:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/blogs/doc44/31-stocks-used-44-magnum-model-29.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/blogs/doc44/31-stocks-used-44-magnum-model-29.html
Sebago Son
Member
While there is no doubt that these are interesting stocks, my sense is that they shipped on a pre-1955 .45ACP NT gun, probably a 1950 or perhaps on of the earliest 1955s. These short cased rounds could still be extracted without the football cartridge relief.
WOW definitely waiting for the final verdict on those Stocks
Very neat
Very neat
That was my thought exactly, although I cannot claim to even be close to an expert, we have seen a lot of pictures on this forum of many different grips and should be able to identify the differences between cokes and non cokes by now.
Here is a pair of stocks dating from 1969-1973 that probably did miss the step where the relieved area was cut into the left panel (creating an instant collectible!?!).
Bill
Bill
Then, there is always this pair shown on the first 44 Magnum (prototype) made in January, 1955.
Bill
Bill
So do these more match the style from 1955, or are they more likely a set from 1964-65 that missed the football step? My eye for the subtle details of these grips is yet rather undeveloped. Again, the stocks themselves are not serial numbered to the gun...so they would have missed that step too if original to the revolver.
If we think they are likely original to the 29-2, I will certainly keep the grips with the gun.
If we think they are likely original to the 29-2, I will certainly keep the grips with the gun.
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The stocks are closer in style to those made from 56-66 since they have the larger checked area on each panel and are made of Goncalo alves. Whether they were actually made without the relieved area or missed a manufacturing step is something we will never know for sure.
Bill
Bill
Probably not from '55, but it seems as if they are a pair of Coke bottle grips that missed the cut-out step...in my opinion.
1) they are Coke bottle grips...due to shape and checkering pattern
2) they are missing the cut-out
I guess that would be the final verdict? Are they original to the gun, I do not know. A letter would tell you what it was shipped with when it left the factory.
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I am inclined to agree with Bill. If you look at the pictures carefully, particularly those showing the inletting, they look more like GA than rosewood, based on the grain structure. They may have been stained a little before finishing, or the finish itself may have discolored to give the rosewood appearance. It's hard to say with any certainty.
In any case, it is an interesting set of stocks and if they were mine, I would want them restored and returned to the gun. That's probably contrary to the instincts of a collector, but with the chunk out of them they haven't got a lot of value to a collector, so I can't see any harm. It might be considered a waste of money by some, but to me, it would make perfect sense.
In any case, it is an interesting set of stocks and if they were mine, I would want them restored and returned to the gun. That's probably contrary to the instincts of a collector, but with the chunk out of them they haven't got a lot of value to a collector, so I can't see any harm. It might be considered a waste of money by some, but to me, it would make perfect sense.
I would definitely have them restored as they are a unique variation (intentional or not). Keith Brown would do a super job.
Bill
Bill
Since the grips lack both a "football" cutout AND a serial number, I'm still having trouble believing that they were original to the gun. Here's my best theory: these grips were old prototype grips for the 44 Magnum in 1955. When S&W decided to make them withthe cutout, they threw this (and maybe a few more) in a box. For whatever reason, 10 years go by and there is a shortage of wood or grips or something. Somebody finds the old box and decides to just use them. They go on the newly made 29-2 and off they ship.
So, any other good theories out there? Is mine plausible?
So, any other good theories out there? Is mine plausible?
First, don't obsess over the lack of serial number. Those stocks were almost never numbered to a gun. You are thinking of magnas, which usually were numbered to a gun. It is unusual to see coke-bottle stocks numbered to the gun.
As to your theory, heck, it is as good as any.
But, you now have the word from one of the foremost experts on S&W 44 Magnums. Bill says restore 'em. What else do you need to know? 
First, don't obsess over the lack of serial number. Those stocks were almost never numbered to a gun. You are thinking of magnas, which usually were numbered to a gun. It is unusual to see coke-bottle stocks numbered to the gun.
As to your theory, heck, it is as good as any.
Aye, aye. WIll get er done.
After I shoot the 29-2 a bit it may have to go back to S&W for a proper facelift to match.
oh I have quite a few times......
I'm still trying to learn so be patient. When you say football cutouts are you referring to the thumb relief (football shaped) at the top of the left stock?
I'm sitting here comparing my one pair of cokes to my one pair of early diamond targets.From the bottom of the grip to the checkering on the cokes,I get 5/16". On the targets,I get 9/16".
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