Cokes

[deputydog]

What are "Cokes" as I here grips refered to? Also is there a way to date them by the finish or the washers inside the grips?

 

[stevieboy]

I'm no expert on the subject but "cokes" refers to a grip style that Smith used on its guns but discontinued. The term "cokes" refers to the shape of the grips: viewed from behind they resemble the old 6-ounce Coca Cola bottle in shape. Superficially, they resemble target grips, but they are not shaped like targets.

I understand that genuine cokes are collectors' items in their own right and command premium prices. There are some grip makers who make coke reproductions. I have a couple sets of Nill coke reproduction grips on my Smith revolvers. They are beautiful and incredibly comfortable. They're also pricey, costing upwards of $200 per set. Forum member Kurac makes grips that are shaped somewhat like cokes and they cost a lot less than the Nills. I have couple of sets of his grips and they are superb!!!

 

[Doc44]

"Coke bottle" stocks (a term coined many years ago by collectors) were introduced with the 44 Magnum in December 1955 and continued to be standard on the 44 Magnum and (in 1964) the 41 Magnum until sometime in 1966. They are characterized by a slight palm swell and flare at the bottom and a larger checked area. The stock circles (washers) are black oxide. Below is a photo of a pair that dates to mid-1956.

Compare the coke bottle stocks to a pair of regular target stocks made of walnut that date to November 1955 (second photo). Particularly, note the smaller checked area. That is the easiest way to identify a pair of coke bottle stocks (by the larger checked area).

Bill

 

[crsides]

and if you ever pick up a gun with cokes on them, you won't forget it.


Charlie