Label Interpretation

[Pizza Bob]

I inherited three S&W's from my father when he passed. One of them (a pre-34) I know that he bought new in the 50's. The second (a 15-3) he bought from a friend of mine in the mid-70's. The last (a 19-4) I had assumed that he bought new in the late 70's. I am now questioning this.

The serial number places it in the '78-'79 time frame. It came to me with the box, docs, tools (except for the SAT) and vapor paper. It had magnas on it.

Looking at the label on the box, I believe that this should have had target stocks on it - isn't that what the "T" stands for?

I then examined the magnas. They are black washer grips and there is a 6-digit number stamped in the right panel (862374).

I guess he bought this used - concur?

Thanks.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Texas Star]

Well, Bob, the label says Target stocks, which were normal for that model. But your dad may have bought the gun new and changed the grips himself!

I bought my M-66-3 new and promptly swapped the target stocks for Pachmayrs. They fit my hand better and don't dent or scratch from regular wear.