Centennial Airweight/Model 42 - when did the thumbpiece and grips change?

[ThePenultimateNinja]

I'm trying to find out some information on the history of the Centennial Airweight/Model 42.


The original grips on the Centennial Airweight were smooth wood, and the thumbpiece was a wedge-shaped flat type.


At some point, these were changed to the Magna grips with the checkered panels, and the familiar 'dished' thumbpiece that was found on other S&W revolvers from that time period.


I know the Centennial Airweight was renamed to the Model 42 in 1957; is that also when the grips and thumbpiece were changed?


Also, when was the grip safety deleted?


Thanks in advance

 

[Engine49guy]

Whie I do not know the change dates it was a little more complex than that,
There were around 3 or so variations of the flat latch cylinder release and the Centennial was introduced during the first style.
Another interesting thing is the early High horn stocks have a smaller washer inside and so are unique to that model.
Years later they changed to standard J stocks but the early Bodyguards had a unique "High horn" stock as well but those have a standard washer.
They changed to a standard thumb piece in the mid 1960's, those flat latches arent very functional IMO and kind of ugly.
On a side note the flat latch was a J frame feature with the exception of the model 12 which was the only K frame to utilize a flat latch.

 

[JH1951]

.......... On a side note the flat latch was a J frame feature with the exception of the model 12 which was the only K frame to utilize a flat latch.

The flat latch was also used on the I-frame. You will find them on the 38/32 Terrier post-war Improved I-frame and the Model 32.