I'd never had one of these before (other than a Model 14-2), so when it popped up today, I had to take the plunge. Serial number 6282XX, which I think probably puts it around 1929-30. Yes, I know the stocks are wrong, but the price was about the same money as an ordinary M&P or Model 10 commands nowadays. My question is, as it may be in kind of a "no-man's land" insofar as that time frame is concerned, whether the silver medallion or plain convex top service stocks would be appropriate.
.38 Target
- Thread starter Goony
- Start date
Muley Gil
US Veteran
It probably shipped with silver medallion stocks, since it has the barrel shaped ejector rod end.
A letter should tell you for sure.
A letter should tell you for sure.
Actually, the shape of the extractor rod knob isn't particularly helpful in this case. That change was made on the .38 M&P in 1927. My guess would be that the stocks would be of the 1930s medallion style, but knowing the ship date might give you another clue.
As for the serialized stocks, that serial number is right on the cusp of the change to using die stamps instead of a pencil. At 6282XX, they were probably stamped.
Incidentally, the stocks shown in your photo are early postwar Magna (1946-1952). If they are as nice as they appear in the picture, they carry a bit of value in themselves.
Nice purchase!
As for the serialized stocks, that serial number is right on the cusp of the change to using die stamps instead of a pencil. At 6282XX, they were probably stamped.
Incidentally, the stocks shown in your photo are early postwar Magna (1946-1952). If they are as nice as they appear in the picture, they carry a bit of value in themselves.
Nice purchase!
OP
Goony
Member
The number stamped into those stocks is 948 over 582, which I'd presume would be indicative of that gun's serial number being "S" prefixed.
As for what I'll be replacing them with, I do have a nice set of unstamped silver medallion service stocks. I also have a set of faux pearl service stocks if I want to be a little more flamboyant.
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2012
- Messages
- 1,284
- Reaction score
- 5,253
- City & State/Province
- The Flint Hills - Kansas
I recently picked this one up. The serial number is very close to yours, 628302. It was shipped in September, 1930. Number matching stocks, silver medallions.
A quick reference point I use to date a K frame is that the first K-22 was in the 632000 S/N range, and that was in 1931. I'd feel safe putting silver medallion stocks on one in the 628000 range.
Interesting. That revolver probably shipped in October 1947. Curiously, the stocks for S948427 also were separated from the original unit. They showed up on a K-22 Outdoorsman's.
OP
Goony
Member
Gorgeous example, certainly better than mine. Answers all my questions. Accordingly, I put on the silver medallion service stocks, which turn out to be ever so slightly undersized. Still, the gun looks far more "right" now.
Found serial numbers on both sides of yours that show 1931 ship dates, so confident it is silver medallion stocks. My closest Target gun is in the 640,000 range, shipped in 1936, and also in great shape. That gun is way out of date order since my McGivern Target is 645,000 range and shipped in 1933. K frames from the 1930s are exceptional shooters.
Similar threads
