N frame stocks

[Carrier]

I’ve been looking for a set to put on the 28-3 I bought awhile ago and found a set at a gun show today. They are hard to find here and I got them pretty cheap.
Not sure if they are a matched set or not as they are slightly different shade but here are some pictures. They fit the gun very well and I would like to try giving it a go to refinish them. How would be the best way of doing that?
What do these numbers mean on the inside?
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=333603&stc=1&d=1522548826

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=333604&stc=1&d=1522548900

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=333605&stc=1&d=1522548999

 

[M29since14]

NT430 indicates they were made for the Model 29. They look normal to me. Unless they are a lot worse than your photos make them appear, I’d leave them alone. I’d guess they are from mid- to late-60s production, so they’re not quite period correct for your -3 gun, but “close enough.”

 

[stansdds]

Don't worry about the slight color mismatch, S&W made no attempt to match stocks on production firearms, so color and grain mismatches are normal. And it's good that you got them cheap because they seem to fetch prices of $80 or more these days.

 

[oysterer]

they look to very much belong together and I do not see them for 80 but quite a bit more these days. I give them a good wet wipe with old craftsman lemon oil, let that soak in for a little, do that again and then wipe off, give a lite polish in the smooth areas and voila. Definitely not refinish or mess with.

 

[Carrier]

Though it’s not showing up in the pictures the right one is considerably lighter than the left one and is very noticeable when they are on the gun.

 

[stansdds]

Though it’s not showing up in the pictures the right one is considerably lighter than the left one and is very noticeable when they are on the gun.

That is not all that uncommon with S&W handgun stocks.

 

[Muss Muggins]

That is not all that uncommon with S&W handgun stocks.

I've got a set of factory S&W K Frame square butt combat stocks which I bought brand new in 1986 ($50, as I recall ) The left and right are slightly different shades . . .

 

[Carrier]

Tried a little Ballistol on them and they are a bit closer now. I know a guy who refinshes rifle stocks and see what he suggests to do. It is something that I won’t be able to leave as is.

 

[M29since14]

Well, they are yours to do with as you please and in the big picture I guess refinishing them is no great crime. As least you’re not telling us you’re going to engrave “Jack” on the left side of the frame.

 

[Carrier]

Well, they are yours to do with as you please and in the big picture I guess refinishing them is no great crime. As least you’re not telling us you’re going to engrave “Jack” on the left side of the frame.

Nope bubba on the right I’m so busy right now I doubt if I will get around to doing anything for awhile. Besides I’m sure something else that’s shiny will catch my eye and I will forget about them.
The target stocks I have on my 14-3 are absolutely stunning and both are the same.