'78/'79 66 grip question.

[S&W Fan]

I just picked up another old 66-1 4". It was an old duty weapon. The serial dates it to 1978 or 1979 (48K prefix). It came with speedloader cut grips which I thought came out in 1980-81 (my 686 no dash my late father bought new in Sept. 1981 has these). These grips have the marks and wear of a service gun and inside the only marks are the ink stamped numbers 1 and 9.

I thought guns of this vintage still had the football as a 66 I have confirmed from 1978 has.

What do the grip experts say? Thanks in advance, I'll get pics up tonight or tomorrow.

 

[153]

I got my 66-1 in early 1979, the original grips - which I promptly removed had the football cutout.

 

[JP@AK]

The K frame targets with the speed loader relief were available as early as 1978. There was some overlap while the supply of footballs was used up, so both types can be correct on a revolver that shipped in 1979.

The 48K serial numbers were not issued until 1979, so that would be the correct year for your revolver.

 

[S&W Fan]

The K frame targets with the speed loader relief were available as early as 1978. There was some overlap while the supply of footballs was used up, so both types can be correct on a revolver that shipped in 1979.

The 48K serial numbers were not issued until 1979, so that would be the correct year for your revolver.

Thank you very much!