25-2

[Bobby B.]

Hi guys,

Awhile ago I asked about a 25-2 with odd grips. Well as I said then I bought it and I thought then the grips to be from a K frame. But they do not quite fit my model 19. Thoughts on the grips that came on this? First pic with the grips it came with. Second with M27 grips installed. Third shows inside of grips that came on it. They do not seem to be modified but they sure don’t look right. Thoughts?

 

[Bobby B.]

Next to my 19....

 

[Lou_the_welder]

Those look like K frame football ones. How did they not look right on the 19? What was the problem with the fit?

Football N frame targets should fit like on this 25-2.

 

[Bobby B.]

I know what football N frame grips look like. That’s why I took a pair from one of my M27’s to show the difference.

The odd stocks didn’t fit my M19 because the pin hole to the top (washer) is slightly longer than K frame stocks. It’s close but you would have to open up the pin hole or remove some wood for them to fit. So definitely not K frame stocks. Maybe modified N’s but they sure don’t look modified...

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

They just look like "poor fit and finish" to me. S&W has problems with that now and then! (and not just S&W!!!)

Ivan

 

[Breakaway500]

Didn't I read once that the 41 Magnuns came with different target grips than other N frames? Early 80s?

 

[cndrdk]

They appear to refinished/modified to me as the top rear has been rounded off a bit.

 

[Marshal Kane]

They look like OEM S&W N frame targets to me. I hope someone will post where they are any different. The only poor looking grips from S&W that I ever noticed came with a series of Model 586s. These look like they were a bit rough and looked like they were meant to be replaced.

 

[Bobby B.]

cndrdk is correct. They are more rounded at the top back. It makes them shorter than the frame. This 25-2 maybe unfired, it’s very nice. I can’t figure why someone would modify stocks in this fashion as it does nothing to change the way they feel in the hand. Maybe S&W had a set of targets with damaged wood and decided to take a little more off. I’ve heard they didn’t throw anything away. I’ll take better pics and post today.

 

[cmansguns]

Different Model N Frame?

Below pics are my M25-2, Lettered 2-14-1972 as shown and those grips were on it when I obtained it supposedly unfired after factory. It is no longer unfired, but the grips remain as shipped.

From your original pices of your grips the right hand panel seems to me hand marked with M29 (upside down in relation to the 5 81) so could be a dealer, previous owner, or ??? just mixed up some grips in his/her collection.

Does anyone know if there is a difference between Model 29 and Model 25 factory Targets? My Model 29 look and fit the same as my Model 25 but I have never tried swapping.

 

[Doc44]

N-frame stocks are the same for all models. I have seen a few pairs of original S&W stocks with a rounded horn like those shown in your post. They are not attractive and I would replace them. Also, if the case is original to your revolver, the stocks are not since the case you have was discontinued in 1979 and the stocks are dated 5-81.

Bill

 

[cmansguns]

I apologize in advance for a slight thread drift however as Doc 44 said in above post the OP's case was discontinued in 1979 and his grips are marked 5 81.

The pics below are my 1980 Model 29-2 with original wooden case and the gun is facing to the right, whereas the OP's case has the gun facing left.

Per SCSW 4th, the wooden cases with gun facing right were used between 1978 and 1980, and prior to that guns were found facing right or left from 1974 to 1978. So the Op's grips and case still do not match up as originals to his Model 25, but my question (thread drift...sorry) is that wooden cases stop in 1981 per SCSW 4th, and the next is the plastic cases starting "in the 1990's" so does this mean S&W did not ship ANY guns in wooden cases for years after 1981, or did they revert to left facing, or ???

Anyone know for sure?

 

[lamarw]

I hope this will help you. It is more of an analytical vs. just a visual approach.

I assume the stocks on my Model 25-2, serial number: N315958, are original. In my opinion they fit my revolver well and are visually appealing.

Here are pictures with approximate visual measurements.

 

[Bobby B.]

N-frame stocks are the same for all models. I have seen a few pairs of original S&W stocks with a rounded horn like those shown in your post. They are not attractive and I would replace them. Also, if the case is original to your revolver, the stocks are not since the case you have was discontinued in 1979 and the stocks are dated 5-81.

Bill

Thanks! The gun is 4xxxxx serial number and I believe it was made around 76'-77'. So the case is most likely original. Looks like the previous owner put some M29 stocks on it. Still a curious modification to what are otherwise very nice football targets. Again why would you modify stocks if it doesn't have an effect on you hands purchase of the gun???

 

[Doc44]

Your 25-2 was most likely shipped in 1977 and the case is original to the revolver. I believe the stocks are original and not modified. All N-frame stocks made of Goncalo alves are the same even though some may be stamped MOD 29 or NT-430. Target stocks made of walnut are sometimes stamped NT-38.

Bill

 

[Bobby B.]

Additional photos to hopefully show what I’m talking about. First pic left to right k frame, questionable N frame, M27 N frame. Second is inside of same stocks. Third are two of the N’s together.

 

[Bobby B.]

One more, showing closeup of markings on inside of stock. I can’t make out the circular marking.