M28-2 HP correct grips?

[BrianMajors]

Hi all. I recently bought an M28-2 HP that came with a Hogue Monogrip and I would like to bring it back to what is correct. Which Magna's would it have come with, or could it have come with Target stocks? I'm assuming the Magna's without the diamond around the screw, but I want to be sure(this is based on pictures I've seen from this forum).

It is a 28-2, 6" barrel, serial #N28474. I dated it to 1969-1972, according to the Ultimate HP thread here.

Thanks,
Brian Majors

 

[Gary7]

Magnas were standard on the Model 28, but you could order it with Target grips. Only way to know for sure what came on your gun is to get a letter from S&W.

 

[BrianMajors]

Thank you Gary. I think what I might do is go ahead and just get some Magnas for it. If I ever do letter it and it comes back as shipping with Target grips, I'll just sell the magnas and get some targets.

I think I like the look of the magnas with a tyler grip adapter better anyway, though.

Were the magnas with or without the diamonds around the screw holes correct for this era m28? Was there a cutoff year when S&W changed this, or did it depend on different models? Sorry for the FNG questions, I've never had anything other than just CCW shooter type Smiths. I'm new at getting into the historical collector side of S&W.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Gary7]

Diamond grips were dropped in 1968 so yours should not have had them std from the factory.

 

[BrianMajors]

BTW, mine is in great condition, with very minor thinning of the blueing on the edges of the barrel and the front of the frame from a bit of holster wear. I got it from a friend for $455 including shipping and transfer, so I'm very pleased with it. Also got two speedloaders and a nice period S&W basketweave duty holster with it.

 

[BrianMajors]

Diamond grips were dropped in 1968 so yours should not have had them std from the factory.

OK thanks Gary.

 

[Art Doc]

Diamonds disappeared mid 1968.

IIRC, Roy Jinks once said he knew of no 28s that letter with Targets. If any were factory equipped they were special order and it's unlikely it was recorded.

 

[Gary7]

Diamonds disappeared mid 1968.

IIRC, Roy Jinks once said he knew of no 28s that letter with Targets. If any were factory equipped they were special order and it's unlikely it was recorded.

Why wouldn't it be recorded? The NYSP Model 28s were ordered with red ramp sights and target grips. If you lettered one of those it wouldn't show as shipping with those "options"?

 

[Doc44]

If a Highway Patrolman was ordered and shipped with target stocks, the invoice would indicate that if only by the price, as target stocks were a few dollars more than Magnas. For example, the All Model Circular dated January 1, 1959 shows the list price of the Model 28 as $85.00; with target stocks, $90.00.

Bill

 

[Art Doc]

I am citing from memory and I could be wrong. But it seems to me that Mr. Jinks once stated he had never seen a 28 listed as shipped with Targets. As I recall he suggested that none were so shipped and Targets were installed by dealers at buyer's request.

But again, I could certainly be mistaken. Anyone have a 28 or HP lettered with Targets?

As I type this I am getting a vague recollection of someone posting a photo of a 28 box with the T checked on the end flap. If so it answers my question (unless even with the box marked the invoice wasn't) but once more I am doing this from memory.

 

[Pilgrim]

Althought it has magnas now, it came with targets as the box indicates and the slight line on the frame above the grips show.

 

[Bloodhound]

Mine has Target grips...don't have the box, so I don't know if thats the way it came...but the wear on the grips is consistant with the wear on the revolver...for what thats worth...I havn't jumped into having it lettered...yet...

 

[BrianMajors]

Thanks guys. I have two sets of service grips on my watchlist on ebay that end in a couple days. I'm going to see where they end up pricewise and throw a bid in last minute if they aren't getting too high.

One more question. Are the "service" stocks and "magna" stocks different, or just two names for the same stocks?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Gary7]

One more question. Are the "service" stocks and "magna" stocks different, or just two names for the same stocks?

For a gun the age of yours, they are the same thing.

 

[Gary7]

I am citing from memory and I could be wrong. But it seems to me that Mr. Jinks once stated he had never seen a 28 listed as shipped with Targets. As I recall he suggested that none were so shipped and Targets were installed by dealers at buyer's request.

But again, I could certainly be mistaken. Anyone have a 28 or HP lettered with Targets?

As I type this I am getting a vague recollection of someone posting a photo of a 28 box with the T checked on the end flap. If so it answers my question (unless even with the box marked the invoice wasn't) but once more I am doing this from memory.

 

[Art Doc]

There you go. Not only TS but full target options on a 28. This does not jive with what the books say about such options not being available on the 28 but there they are.

 

[Muley Gil]

"There you go. Not only TS but full target options on a 28. This does not jive with what the books say about such options not being available on the 28 but there they are."

Unless, the gun went to a dealer who installed the target grips and target hammer and then added the "T" and checked the TH block himself.

I bought several M28s from McCain's Uniform and Police Supply in the 1970s and 1980s and they would add the target grips when you bought a gun, for a price.

 

[jimmy]

FWIW, I have a circa 1972 6-inch Model 28-2 that came to me with non-diamond walnut target stocks. Are they original? I do not know, because the gun was used and the box did not come with it.

So I emailed S&W the question along with the serial number of my 28. The response: "Model 28 came with either the Magna style or target walnut grips with the S&W medallions. Can't say for sure this exact model which grips came on it."

All that's clear for my gun is that walnut target stocks are hypothetically correct.

 

[Gary7]

"There you go. Not only TS but full target options on a 28. This does not jive with what the books say about such options not being available on the 28 but there they are."

Unless, the gun went to a dealer who installed the target grips and target hammer and then added the "T" and checked the TH block himself.

The "stock" section of the label would have had an "S" entry if the gun came from the factory with the Magna/Service grips.