K-frame grip identification

[retfed]

I have begun thinning the herd.
Most of my smith revolvers have had their original wooden grips replaced with rubber pachmyers etc, more suited for target shooting.

I have the originals squirreled away, but failed to mark the models from which they came on them. Sooooo, now I have a box of j, k, and n grips to paw thru.

The j's seem easy, but how do I separate then k's and n's, and more importantly the MODELS from which they were removed?

Ex. I have a 17-3 from '72 I want to mate back with its original wooden grip. Any hints to pick the right one from the pile??

Thanks in advance,
Retfed
Lou Bevilacqua
Email: [email protected]

 

[JP@AK]

At that time, the revolver's serial number was impressed into the wood on the inside of the right panel. That would be the easiest way to identify which one goes with which gun. However, this only works for Magna style stocks. Generally speaking, target stocks were not numbered.

 

[weatherby]

At that date look for a set of non diamond magnas with black oxide washers.

May even have the serial # on the right panel.

 

[Hondo44]

The difference between K and N frame grips will become obvious once you try them on a gun.

Then compare the grip features dated below to get them with the correct vintage gun:

TARGET STOCK Washer STYLE VARIATIONS - TIME FRAMES
Pre war, the first circles, magnas only, machined steel, blue and in-the-white:

Correction: The black stock washers used until 1973; after that have an unfinished metal appearance. Around 1984/85, the stock circle was discontinued by S&W.

- Black Washer, Non-Relieved Targets. 1952 until about 1956 Scarce.

- Black Washer, Relieved (or "football") Targets. 1956 until about 1970. Not common.

- Silver Washer, Relieved (or "football") Targets. 1970 until about 1982. Relatively common.

- Silver Washer, Relieved (or "football") Presentation Targets.
1970 until about 1982. These have the "football" shaped
cartridge relief on left side and cut out on the right side for the logo stamp on the sideplate. Relatively common.

- Silver Washer, "Speed Loader" Targets. 1980 until about 1991, and infrequently thereafter.
Often on L- frames as well as K's. These are cut out for an enhance clearance on
the cylinder side for a speed loader and the scallop exposes
the revolver frame. A lot of these around. Late in this issue,
the medallion washer actually went away and the
medallions are more or less force fit into a hole bored in the
stocks and the 'alignment circle' is milled into the wood.
Common.

- Silver Washer, "Speed Loader" Presentation Targets. 1980 until about 1991, and infrequently thereafter.
These are cut out for an enhance clearance on the cylinder side for a speed loader and the scallop exposes the revolver frame and the engraving cut out on the sideplate side. Common on commemoratives, limited run guns and presentation pieces. Common.

 

[s&wchad]

These photos should help with stock size identification. The measured “ledge” is the same for Magna stocks, Targets and Combats.

K (left), N (right)

 

[retfed]

Thank You all for your responses. I think this will give me a few hints in dividing the box contents.
Retfed