Found a gem at a LGS

[AMC29]

I was checking out a LGS and saw a worn Model 19 in the used case. What caught my eye was the second set of grips next to it, S&W target stocks in what appeared to be perfect condition. Upon inspection, I could only find a few minor marks on the left grip; otherwise they appeared like new. I asked if he would consider selling the grips separately. He thought it over for a sec and said, "How about $25 cash?". With the best poker face I could muster I said "Yeah, I guess that will work".

I flew home and slapped those babies on my 681.

 

[weatherby]

Nice match up.
Like that 681

I do think you over paid for targets as combats are only $20.00

 

[varmint243]

I sure have a hard time understanding why people get so worked up over factory stocks.
When I started shooting in the 80's factory wood stocks were just a placeholder until you put the Pachmayer's or Houge's on
At every gun show, every dealer had a box full of factory wood revolver stocks that they couldn't give away for $5.
I would imagine that more than a few sets of factory stocks ended up as kindling in a wood stove.
I took mine off, shoved the factory stocks in the Pachmayr box and tossed them on the back shelf.
If things keep going they way they are now my old factory stocks will be worth more than I paid for the gun.

For that matter police departments were switching from 357 revolvers to 9mm semi auto's and a decent 357 police trade in could be had for sub $200.

 

[H Richard]

I don't know where you have that pile of "old beat up combat grips", but I'd take them off your hands for the price marked!

 

[Arik]

I have a hard time understanding the fascination with grips in general but if you like em then ....good for you and enjoy! :beer:

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[AMC29]

I just like the look and feel of wood stocks for target shooting. I'd put the Hogues back on if I carried it.

Knockoff wood grips from Thailand are going for approx $35 on eBay. Original S&W grips are going for approx $75 or more used and in worse condition. Look at the classifieds in this forum as well and tell me what original S&W wood stocks are going for. I'd love to see where you can buy actual S&W wood stocks for $20...

 

[weatherby]

I'd love to see where you can buy actual S&W wood stocks for $20...
__________________
OR $10. the 20.00 ones were the expensive ones

 

[tinman931]

I was checking out a LGS and saw a worn Model 19 in the used case. What caught my eye was the second set of grips next to it, S&W target stocks in what appeared to be perfect condition. Upon inspection, I could only find a few minor marks on the left grip; otherwise they appeared like new. I asked if he would consider selling the grips separately. He thought it over for a sec and said, "How about $25 cash?". With the best poker face I could muster I said "Yeah, I guess that will work".

I flew home and slapped those babies on my 681.

Very nice looking gun.

 

[papajohn428]

When I bought my 686 back about '86 I had already decided I was going to put Goodyears on it. When I went to pick it up the clerk commented on how nice the factory stocks were, so II told the clerk I'd trade him straight across for a set of Pachmayrs. He quickly agreed.

In good shape, those stocks are probably worth $75 or more, they were really nice! Oh well........with the handloads I was concocting back then, those Pachy's were necessary!

 

[thomasinaz]

I like those stocks. Good score for $25! A fixed sight L Frame like yours should have wooden S&W stocks. It's just right....

 

[Rufus]

I personally like the stock target grips also. To each his/her own.

 

[PHATSPEED7x]

Looks great!

 

[DGNY]

Great buy. You will enjoy their handsome look and, if you have good-sized hands, their range performance.

For shooting, I prefer magnas on K and L-frames - and N-frames, for that matter, but have one or two sets of the targets somewhere...

That is a fine 681.

Regards and good shooting.

Dyson

 

[AgentM]

I looked at this issue recently with a nice S&W 681-3 that I acquired with factory wood service stocks. I added a Tyler T-Grip and took it to the range. After sub-par results down range, I switched to open-back Pachmayr Professionals. Still not good. I then went to a set of pre-medallion Pachmayr Presentation stocks. Eureka!!!!! S&W wood grips look great on a wheel gun - especially when they are "period correct". But, the looks are only skin deep for many folks. Aftermarket Pachmayr and Hogue grips allowed for better hand fits and better DA shooting. In my particular case, I threw some time and $$$ at the grip selection issue, and found what worked best for me. What's more, I even got the aesthetics right by getting two-piece Pachmayrs without the gold medallion. THEY look right on a 681. In a sense, they are almost like the wood S&W target stocks, but with a closed back, and made of recoil absorbing rubber (over a metal shell, as I understand it).

I put the wood S&W grips back in the blue cardboard S&W box with the cleaning tools. I also put the T-grip in there, for safekeeping. Grip-fit is very subjective, and that is what worked for me. Remember that many LE agencies specified certain grips from the factory to ensure proper holster fit, with shooter fit being secondary. I find that the shape of my new (OLD) Pachmayrs puts my hands in the best position to control the trigger, and magnum recoil when shooting .357 rounds.

 

[Green Frog]

For a K-frame, I still maintain that the early '80s vintage smooth combat (finger groove) grips are hard to beat. I wish I had salted away a few more pairs when they were only bringing about $20-25 as new take-offs back then!

Froggie