Resources for grip identification

[mtgianni]

I know somewhat about the mechanical and number changes regarding S&W handguns but find my grip ID is really lacking. We don't have grip sub forums or need them, but is there a good resource to increase my knowledge of grips? I'm lost on many production year changes as to whether or not they are correct for a gun I'm looking at. I can tell cokes and Goncalvo Aves better than I can spell them but that is about it. Books, web sites, forums would be helpful.
Mods: Feel free to move it somewhere if it fits better.

 

[JP@AK]

This link might help you.
Smith & Wesson N Frame Stocks / Grips - A Reference Guide

Also, the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson Fourth Edition has a section on pp. 33-49, that will provide a lot of info for you.

A quick summary goes like this:
Black hard rubber (and small numbers of different colors) used from the late 19th Century until just after WWII on round butt revolvers and a few others.
Walnut stocks:
No medallion w/ flat stock circle - approx. 1899 to 1910 (square butt beginning in c. 1905)
Recessed gold medallion - c. 1910 to 1920
No medallion w/ convex stock circle - c. 1920 to 1929
Flat medallion (two sizes) - c. 1930 to c. 1940 (Magna stocks show up during this period)
Non-checked service style stocks - during WWII
Magna stocks become standard after WWII (some exceptions)
Target stocks first appear c. 1950 (initially made of walnut)
On Target stocks: extractor relief appears in mid-1950s; speedloader cut in c. 1978 (K frame) and early 1980s (N frame)
Smooth diamonds start disappearing in the mid-1960s on all stock styles.

That is not exhaustive by any means, but it gives you a general guide.

 

[Vtgw938]

OP:

Just about everything you need to know is right here on the forum if you can find it. Try various ways to search and make sure you bookmark them for future reference.

 

[s&wchad]

This link may also be helpful.

Types of Smith & Wesson Revolver Grips

 

[paplinker]

OP:

Just about everything you need to know is right here on the forum if you can find it. Try various ways to search and make sure you bookmark them for future reference.

I have over 70 subscriptions I have saved on the forum.

From the grip thread, to the best recipe for pot roast lol