K22 Target stocks and boxes

[RT44nut]

From the 4th edition S&W catalog, page 38, it says that target stocks for K frames were available in 1950. What box were K22 pre-17s shipped that had target stocks? Were there any K22 gold boxes with 5 ring corners?
The only example I’ve found was a solid black box with gray 5 ring corners and the k22 printed paper label on the end stating target stocks. Thank you

 

[glowe]

The target stocked Masterpiece revolvers to not fit in the gold boxes as you know. Those that were shipped from the factory normally went in N frame boxes and the only one around after WWII was the maroon 5 rivet box. N frame gold boxes were like the Masterpiece box, embossed with the model and caliber right on the box so could not be used. I think the late boxes that held the late Masterpiece revolvers with target stocks would have been the early blue/black N frame boxes.

This brings up an opinion that many Masterpiece guns were shipped with Magna stocks, maybe most, and were later outfitted with targets. By the post-WWII era, Smith & Wesson offered gun shops and hardware stores many accessories including their bubble-packed K and N frame target stocks. It appears that very few target stocks have serial number, but they do exist. Does that mean, perhaps, that all without numbers are post-factory? Maybe, but these stocks needed little or no fitting so could have been put on any revolver of the era without the need for fitting?

Let me add that target stocks were too large and too thick to fit in the K frame box but could have been sent along with the gun if ordered. They also do fit in the K frame box along with the gun, but are still too tall to ship that way.

 

[larryofcc]

Not mine, but I do have one like it. A K22 re label of a 5 ring box.
Has the target stocks as does mine. No pics of mine. Big Larry

 

[RT44nut]

Not mine, but I do have one like it. A K22 re label of a 5 ring box.
Has the target stocks as does mine. No pics of mine. Big Larry

Thanks for the info. Is there any writing, S&W monogram, etc. on the box or is just plain?

 

[larryofcc]

Thanks for the info. Is there any writing, S&W monogram, etc. on the box or is just plain?

It's a regular 5 ring white line box with S&W logo with a label pasted over the original box content. Not going to pull on the label as it may tear. It is definitely a S&W re purposed box. My K22 was shipped in May of 1956 with target hammer and target stocks. It is a 5 screw with wide rib. Fits real well. Big Larry