Question about the 3-1/2" Presentation case

[ricketts]

I'm ready to cut the mold for the 3-1/2" case liner reproduction. I needed a gun to use for the test fit and digitization of the mold.

Friend of mine lent me his gun to use. He has a pair of Magma grips on it and a Target grip in the rug he has it in. He has no presentation case.

Which grip came in the presentation cased guns? I'm leaning towards the Target. But I don't want to make a mistake because making the mold is NOT cheap. If I mold the Target grip, it's material safe because if I get it wrong, I can just recut the grip. I believe more were sold with the target grip. And i don't believe it would be worthwhile to make both. I can do an inserted grip section on the mold, but I don't know if it would be worthwhile financially.

So I guess i'm asking--make the presentation case liner with the Target grip, or the Magna?

 

[scout II]

My 3.5" 27 case is set for target grips. I do believe all presentation cases are for target grips.

 

[Alk8944]

I can't tell you which stock style was more common on cased guns, but my bet is the target stocks were. The logic is both the case and target stocks are basically "deluxe" features.

I would say to make your mold for target stocks because of this, and the guns with Magna stocks would still fit, and you will probably receive far more orders for inserts from owners of target stocked guns than ones who have guns with Magnas!

 

[ricketts]

Thanks. I might make both BUT that depends on requests for the Magna.

 

[lowriderfxr]

Rick, we talked about this. All production cases for 3.5” 27s were for target grip guns. There may have been some obscure model like a commemorative or something that I’m not aware of , but I assure you over 99% of cases were for target grips. Most people who spring for what the 3.5” 27s are going for these days would spring for target grips if for nothing more than the look.

 

[LPD256]

My 3.5 inch case came with a cutout for target grips. As I recall information on a post I had about it, the box was for guns beginning in 1975. The gun that came with mine was a 1968 gun and had magnas. So the box was sold to a Forum member with the correct gun. Now my gun has bigmtnman stags.

 

[ricketts]

Thanks for taking the time to post the pic.

 

[ricketts]

Lowrider--I remember. Maybe. Threw shadow of a doubt in my mind when I picked up the gun today and it had both grips. Bob--my buddy that owns it--got it from his grandfather's estate. And he doesn't know jack about this. Soooo--never hurts to ask.

 

[toddimusnimski]

Nice work, Rick! Do you plan on making inserts with the cleaning tool compartment, and with the gun facing to the right? SCSW mentions that style being used from 1978-1981.

Todd

 

[Nightowl]

Beginning in September, 1975, the Model 27 began shipping with the wood presentation case and full target mode, being target hammer, target trigger and target stocks. Prior to that time, the model 27 shipped standard with .265 service trigger, semi target hammer and Magna stocks.

The FBI commemorative shipped with smooth Magna stocks, and maybe some others, but I would think you would be making these for the regular Model 27s, not the commemorative versions.

 

[ricketts]

Nice work, Rick! Do you plan on making inserts with the cleaning tool compartment, and with the gun facing to the right? SCSW mentions that style being used from 1978-1981.

Todd

I plan on making those with the compartment. Been busy with this version--but i think I will be working on those more this winter. It requires a different kind of mold because of the deep well needing to be created for the tools. S&W made theirs and if you remember, they had those cardboard inserts--one was stapled in and then another flocked one went on top. The plastic REALLY thinned out when they molded it and my attempts did the same. NOT good enough for me. I'll get to it.

 

[Truckman]

Rick I looked at your new website, and did not see a 5" liner pictured...I have a 5" 27-2 with its original presentation case, and the bottom liner is of course deteriorating...I don't expect to replace it, but it would be good to know if you plan to make this one also...I read the paragraph on your site about the dealer with the 5" so I was surprised to find no 5" liners...Maybe I just missed it?......Ben

 

[ricketts]

Rick I looked at your new website, and did not see a 5" liner pictured...I have a 5" 27-2 with its original presentation case, and the bottom liner is of course deteriorating...I don't expect to replace it, but it would be good to know if you plan to make this one also...I read the paragraph on your site about the dealer with the 5" so I was surprised to find no 5" liners...Maybe I just missed it?......Ben

Heh--that's my fault. The website needs a pic of them submitted and the guy that did the photos is waiting on me to supply one. We are making them, they are available. I'll have one added this week. It's a little more money because the volume will be far less than the others but it isn't much.

 

[ricketts]

Here's a 5" in a box.

 

[ricketts]

I make the little yellow lifters, too.

 

[jcelect]

Nice work, Rick! Do you plan on making inserts with the cleaning tool compartment, and with the gun facing to the right? SCSW mentions that style being used from 1978-1981.

Todd

The type liners you mentioned were shipped with guns from 1979 to about 1983 and could be bought as after market items until 1985. In 1985 S&W changed the interior liners again and the exterior look was changed. These new cases were sold as aftermarket items only! This style of liners was not flocked! The covering was a piece of 1/8" blue foam rubber held in place with double sided tape around the edges and a small piece of covered cardboard over a second piece that was staples into the bottom of the compartment. This foam rubber always deteriorated over time!
jcelect

 

[ricketts]

The type liners you mentioned were shipped with guns from 1979 to about 1983 and could be bought as after market items until 1985. In 1985 S&W changed the interior liners again and the exterior look was changed. These new cases were sold as aftermarket items only! This style of liners was not flocked! The covering was a piece of 1/8" blue foam rubber held in place with double sided tape around the edges and a small piece of covered cardboard over a second piece that was staples into the bottom of the compartment. This foam rubber always deteriorated over time!
jcelect[/QUOTE

Why are you throwing rocks at my product? I don’t bother you. I flock them because it’s better. It won’t come off. I’m not selling original. If people want original, I won’t use that original plastic or sticky paper. I make a quality product and am proud enough to sign every one I sell. I’m not into bondo repairs.

 

[viceunit]

I don't think Joe was knocking your product, just replying with information and answers to Todd's question. I don't read anything in his post that is derogatory about your product - which looks superb BTW.

 

[Truckman]

I didn't see any flying rocks either...Joe is extremely knowledgeable on S&W cases, and was imparting his knowledge of the originals......Ben

 

[lowriderfxr]

Here is my take. I realize the late 70s and early 80s had the rubberized cloth that covered the insert. This never survived. Since going back original is not an option , I prefer the look of the flocking than the felt. To each their own. If I can’t have original, I’ll take what I think looks best. I like the looks of the flocking on the compartment type case.