Model 17-2 stocks recommendations?

[MTC(SS)Ret]

Last year I won an auction on a Model 17-2, serial K6589XX, which I believe is late 1965 manufacture. as seen in the photos the stocks that came on the gun when I received it are earlier production, non-relieved and there is no serial number or other markings on them. Several forum members told be these are stocks that were used prior to S&W assigning model numbers to the K frames and could have significant value on their own.
I shoot this pistol and you'll see in the closeup that the rims of the empty cases are hitting the stocks and denting them. I didn't notice the dents until I was cleaning the gun after a recent range trip.
My aim is to replace these stocks with some aftermarket grips so I can enjoy shooting the 17 without causing further damage to the old ones. Can anyone recommend some inexpensive grips I can install for range use.

 

[22hipower]

I have several early K22s with those non-relieved stocks simply because I like the way they look. However, when shooting them I usually substitute magna stocks as they are also "correct" and avoid the problem you mention. Or, get some factory target stocks with the "football" or speed loader cutout. All are available as reasonable cost on eBay and elsewhere. And if you want to buy several sets of those others, you can fund them by selling that non-relieved set here or on Ebay; probably $150 or so. . . .even with the little "ding," which some of mine also have.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[jeffrefrig]

Yeah, what 22hipower said. I bought a set off here for my model 10 because the stocks were just too big and again my middle finger was getting beat up with the ones similar to yours had on it. I bought the magnas on here and I like them much better for shooting. They were cheap; under $50 if I remember right.

 

[RKmesa]

I have some stocks made by a Thai eBay seller that I shoot with. I really like them:





I think they were $40-$50 several years ago.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Some of the Thai grips are very nice, but I assume that it is a gamble. I have found Pachmayr Presentations to be about the best non-custom grips available, and they are generally not very expensive. Try your local gun store (LGS) first, because you can generally try the grips on the gun before buying. This makes your LGS by far the most economical place to buy grips, if you can get what you want.

 

[wagwan]

Another recommendation for the Pachmayrs here. My 17-2 has worn them for over 30 years and is very comfortable to shoot.

 

[MrG5122]

Yes. Keep those nonrelieved targets set aside. Look for a set of diamond magnas which would also be correct for a 17-2.

 

[MTC(SS)Ret]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'll try the Pachmayr Presentations, I found some on Amazon for $34, if I don't like them I can return for refund. They should work good for shooting and I can always put the non-relieved back on if/when I ever sell the 17.