Non-relieved K Targets

[Retired W4]

I have 4 N frame NRT's but only one for the K frame and I rarely see any K NRT's, I understand that these were the forerunner of "Coke" and then the regular K and N football cutout targets. I remember reading here, as I recall, that they were produce from about 1951-1958 or there about. Was there just very little call for K targets in the early to mid 50's? They don't seem to show up very often.

 

[glowe]

I have these notes about K frame Targets.

K frame Targets
• Early non relieved late-1948 to 1955
• Small relief cut sharp checkering turn 1954 to 1961

I think I see more early Masterpiece revolvers with targets than Magna stocks, but how many of them were from the factory is unknown to me. I do know that hardly any had serial numbers on them. I have a set of non-relieved target stocks for every Masterpiece revolver in my collection, some came that way and some I added. The market for the K and N frame targets has all but dried up and they are now seldom seen for sale.

 

[Gun Relics]

I have 4 N frame NRT's but only one for the K frame and I rarely see any K NRT's, I understand that these were the forerunner of "Coke" and then the regular K and N football cutout targets. I remember reading here, as I recall, that they were produce from about 1951-1958 or there about. Was there just very little call for K targets in the early to mid 50's? They don't seem to show up very often.

According to the catalogs I had, they were an option and an accessory and had to be ordered. I can tell you the standard K-38 masterpiece 6 inch won't fit in the original gold box once fitted with target stocks. If Smith and Wesson had planned on selling the K-38 with target stocks installed, I imagine they would have increased the dimensions or redesigned the box. The box would have to be about 1/2" longer and 1/2" wider.

I have a couple pair. They do come up for sale occasionally but not often.

This is from the 1952 Centennial Catalog. (Sorry, the software turned it sideways).

 

[22hipower]

I've seen them mostly on early Masterpieces, and most of those were .22s. No way to know though if they were originally on the guns where I found them and none, that I've noted so far anyway, are numbered. In any case, they're my favorite for early Masterpieces.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qReUSf https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2qmDhzT https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[mh51]

I've got a K-22 Masterpiece with NRT's. My letter confirms that it shipped 2/6/1951 with checkered walnut target grips, but they aren't numbered.

 

[larryofcc]

Have a 1956 vintage K22 wide rib shipped with a target hammer and target stocks, NR type. It letters to Sports Inc. in Chicago.Gun is about mint and came in a solid white line, blue box. Big Larry

 

[Narragansett]

I want to say, that they are my favorite factory stocks. Sadly, I only have 1 set, and they are on my birth year K-38.

While I am a wood junkie and love figured wood, I also have a deep affection for nice walnut

 

[JP@AK]

The postwar Masterpiece series (K-22, K-38 and K-32) were not cataloged standard with target stocks. Target stocks had to be ordered, otherwise the revolver was shipped with Magna stocks. Also, the 4" units (Combat Masterpiece) were always cataloged with Magna stocks.

K target stocks were not numbered to the gun. It is possible that a few early Combat Magnums had the target stocks serialized, but I have not seen confirmation of that. What we do know is that some early N frame target stocks were serialized, but that practice ended quickly. There simply was no need to serialize target stocks for any frame size because custom fitting was not necessary as it was for Magna stocks.

 

[Retired W4]

Thanks all. My motivation for bringing this subject up again is I recently acquired a 4 screw NMM K-38 that has K NRT's installed. I will be submitting a letter request for this unusual 5" K-38 (~1956?). Yes, I was the high bidder, AKA The Greater Fool" on that one.

 

[glowe]

All my Masterpiece revolvers came to me with box and Magna stocks. I have purchased a few sets of Targets on ebay in the past, but do not seem to shoot them any better. The target stocks do feel better, but Magnas offer far superior grip than service stocks, so now keep them on the guns.

 

[Retired W4]

I'm hoping it shipped with the NRT's but I have my doubts. We shall see.

Well, it would be nice if the picture was a bit larger.

 

[H Richard]

I have had only two pair of NRT's K Frame. One was a K22, K166900, shipped Jan 1953, and the other was a a K 38, K100785, shipped Jan 1951.
The K22



I couldn't locate a Pic of the k38

 

[glowe]

I'm hoping it shipped with the NRT's but I have my doubts. We shall see.

Well, it would be nice if the picture was a bit larger.

If that is an original box matching the gun, you have factory target stocks. I am sure that he company used the standard K frame 4 rivet boxes for their Magna stocked guns, but had to use a 5 rivet box if Targets were ordered. Does that box have a glued on end label?

 

[Retired W4]

If that is an original box matching the gun, you have factory target stocks. I am sure that he company used the standard K frame 4 rivet boxes for their Magna stocked guns, but had to use a 5 rivet box if Targets were ordered. Does that box have a glued on end label?

Unfortunately that is the only picture of the box presented with not much of a description provided. I will have to wait until it is all in my hands to see.

 

[silicosys4]

I was lucky enough to come across this K22 with what I suspect are factory non-relieved targets and target hammer.
The only pair I've come across though.

 

[hkcavalier]

I recently lucked into a set that went on my '53 K-38.