Question about Combat Magnum Grips

[WCCPHD]

I learned a great deal from the current Combat Magnum thread and did not want to impose on it for my question.

I bought my Combat Magnum several years ago for a good price. It was shipped in February, 1957 and has serial number K2619XX. The gun has a few small imperfections but overall is in great condition. It has virtually no signs of being fired outside the factory, but that can't be confirmed.

For some unknown reason the former owner modified the grips by sanding them down extensively. They actually feel great but look terrible.

Some years ago I found a .22 Outdoorsman from the early 30's with a set of diamond K frame grips.

I put those grips on the Combat Magnum but I would like to know if they are the correct type of grips for this gun? I read through the description of the correct grips on the other thread, but I can't decide if they are correct or not.

Please have a look and let me know if these are period correct for an early 1957 gun or if not , what I should be looking for.

Thanks in advance.

First, the heavily modified original grips.






Gun with current grips.





The only real imperfection is visible in this photo on the bottom of the top strap above the cylinder.

 

[Doug M.]

I am not so sure that the modified grips look all that bad, and that is not a relevant consideration given that you say that they feel great. Grips are a very personal matter - how they fit for one's shooting style is truly all that matters.

 

[Elroy]

Elroy would simply point out that the general consensus is, having a revolver with number matching grips is typically preferred.

 

[Doc44]

Target stocks were generally not numbered. A few Combat Magnums and 1955 45 Targets have numbered target stocks, but often the number stamped on the stocks does not match the number of the revolver.

Bill

 

[LPD256]

Bill the grips you have on it now look amazing.

 

[JohnRippert]

I would leave the original grips on it and do a light touch up of the spot on the top strap with a bit of cold blue.

 

[spin132]

I put those grips on the Combat Magnum but I would like to know if they are the correct type of grips for this gun? I read through the description of the correct grips on the other thread, but I can't decide if they are correct or not.



Please have a look and let me know if these are period correct for an early 1957 gun or if not , what I should be looking for.

First, that's a spectacular early Combat Magnum!

Here's what I took away from the comments on the other thread regarding the stocks. I was confused at first as well. The commenter stated that although the stocks on my CM have diamond centers and black washers, they are a newer iteration that appeared in the early 60's. The pictures will show the difference.

These stocks came on my CM and have rounder corners (apparently early 60's).

I copied this photo of an early CM for sale on a popular site. Notice the corners are much squarer. These stocks are actually numbered (260xxx) so pretty sure they are correct.

Hope this helps - Mike

 

[WCCPHD]

First, that's a spectacular early Combat Magnum!

Here's what I took away from the comments on the other thread regarding the stocks. I was confused at first as well. The commenter stated that although the stocks on my CM have diamond centers and black washers, they are a newer iteration that appeared in the early 60's. The pictures will show the difference.

These stocks came on my CM and have rounder corners (apparently early 60's).

I copied this photo of an early CM for sale on a popular site. Notice the corners are much squarer. They stocks are actually numbered (260xxx) so pretty sure they are correct.

Hope this helps - Mike

Thank you for your response. It does help.

It appears that the grips on the gun are later than the gun. I can see the difference in the original grips and those on the gun based on your description and photos. Even though someone "tortured" the original grips, I can still make out the difference in the corner of the checkering.

Thanks again.

I'll keep an eye out for a correct set, but won't lose sleep if I can't find them.

Bill

 

[LPD256]

These are non relieved on my 1952 Pre-18. Love the look. They weren't cheap, but I believe they are correct for the era. I have the proper Magnas although they are non-numbered. Member George in SD was helpful.

 

[Engine49guy]

Spin132 nailed it,
IIRC the change seemed to occur around 1963 which would be around when the 19- 2 was introduced.

Btw, there are no hard rules with SW because they didn't waste parts so you can't say all 19-2's have this style etc.

 

[JP@AK]

In the picture, these are on a Model 15-2, but they originally came on a 19-3. They have the smaller football cut but the rounded corners of the checking on the bottom.

 

[offrdmania]

As a follow up, I am sending the OP these earlier stocks for his Magnum and in return he is sending me his later ones that are on the Magnum currently. These are what im sending him