S&W revolver grip ID codes/serial numbers

[UCLALAW]

Anyone know if S&W ever used an ID code format on the inside of grips such as this?

In case the photo doesn't display properly, it shows a stamp on the inside of one grip with the numbers and letters: "KT-WAL" and "RH-5214"

Thanks for any info.

 

[scha]

I will guess that KT-WAL stands for K Frame, Target, Walnut. I don't know about the other markings.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[Doc44]

RH means right hand or panel and the number is the part number. Often, the other panel is stamped LH with the part number, 5210.

Bill

 

[UCLALAW]

The abbreviation part I suspected, but are you saying this alpha numeric coding was something S&W definitely used at some point, ie. in this picture they most likely came marked from the factory that way?

 

[Doc44]

All of S&W's parts have a number that could be used in ordering replacements. Stocks panels were no exception. The right panel has part number 5214 and the left panel 5210. The numbers were not always stamped on the stocks, but many times they were. You also see this on N-frame stocks as many are stamped NT-430 with the corresponding part number and for the Combat Magnum, KT-357, with the part number. The parts sheet shown below is dated January 1, 1957 and you can see the part numbers for the target stock panels (the parts sheet is for the Combat Magnun, KT-357).

Bill

 

[UCLALAW]

The numbers were not always stamped on the stocks, but many times they were.

That's what I was curious about - I was certain I had seen those same markings on some S&W grips somewhere, but it's not there on the couple of pair I own. So I guess it would be safe to say grip markings/codes were applied in an inconsistent manner...

 

[UCLALAW]

So according to the parts sheet, the photo of the grips I posted are replacements for a KT-357 Combat Magnum, aka pre model 19?

 

[Doc44]

The part number for Target Stocks was the same regardless of the type of wood they were made of and did not change over time. The stocks you have were probably ordered for a Model 14, 15, 17, or 18. In 1959, the stocks for the Model 19 were changed to Goncalo alves and yours are made of walnut. Also, stocks for the Combat Magnum were stamped KT-357 that is the internal factory designation for this model.

Bill

 

[UCLALAW]

Well ok, thanks for all that interesting info!
You're right, they are walnut - the Diamond screw hole type.

Although I have couple pair of Goncalo Alves target grips, I've never seen them in Diamond target type so these will have to work (I hope) on my pre model 19. (Hence all the questions about stock numbers)

By the way, here is the grip business side, not perfect but I won't really know what shape they're in until I get them.

ps. Whenever I see an old price sheet like that (I have one for Colt) the prices always amaze me... barrel for $16.50, frame $33.00...I could build one from parts for pennies...if this were 1957.
My paper route back then grossed about $10 -$20 a month.

Although they may be correct since my pre 19 dates to 1956, before the departure from walnut I think.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

I've seen S&W grips with mystery markings (to me) both written and hard stamped inside. I once bought a set of K-frame square butt target grips at a military surplus store for $8. I forget what exactly was stamped inside, but it referenced the U.S. military and some series of letters and numbers. I sold those on an auction site for a nice profit. I guess someone knew.

I currently have a set of K-frame round butt non checkered magna style grips pictured below. Both sides are marked "036" inside with a black pen. They didn't fit good at all on my K-frames as they needed thicker wood beneath the washers.

I tried them on a friends S&W 12-3 one day...perfect fit. So it appears they are factory smooth grips for a 12-3 or earlier gun. I don't if the "036" relates to that or not.

I currently have them on an auction site but am tempted to pull them off.

 

[GF]

"Although I have couple pair of Goncalo Alves target grips, I've never seen them in Diamond target type so these will have to work (I hope) on my pre model 19. (Hence all the questions about stock numbers)"
UCLALAW


I have a pair in GA smooth targets with the numbers & description on the inside.

I suppose these were from anywhere from '57 (Doc44's price & parts sheet) to the late '60's when the diamonds were deleted from grips.

Thanks for posting. I had never seen diamond targets with inked part numbers on them before.

GF

 

[VM]

I tried them on a friends S&W 12-3 one day...perfect fit. So it appears they are factory smooth grips for a 12-3 or earlier gun. I don't if the "036" relates to that or not.

C&L - the "036" is a random number that someone used in the wood shop to keep those two grip panels together and not be mixed up with other grips.
They are nice.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Thanks VM...too bad I don't have a model 12 to put them on. I recently listed them here in the classifieds but there was no interest or offers. I guess I need to find a model 12-3 or younger.

I put them on a friend's nickel 12-3 and they looked great.

 

[UCLALAW]

The grips turned out to be even nicer than I expected - they may have been refinished at some point but if they were, someone did an extraordinary job. Can't believe my luck finding them, the grips look near pristine, and they didn't cost a small fortune. Some photos I took before and after mounting them on my pre 19.

 

[Alk8944]

So according to the parts sheet, the photo of the grips I posted are replacements for a KT-357 Combat Magnum, aka pre model 19?

This type of marking did not begin until the late 1970s, over 20 years after model marking began, so it has nothing to do with a "Pre" anything.

The markings broken down mean:

K-Carbon steel K sized hand ejector frame

T-Target (adjustable sights)

357-All together a Carbon steel K-Target .357 Magnum revolver, or in other words a Combat Magnum.

A Model 14 or 15 stock would be marked KT-38

The WAL, GA, etc. designate the wood type and the rest as indicated indicate LH, RH (Left or right hand stock) and the respective part number.

 

[O6 usmc]

My first time on the forum--I just purchased a victory navy model 38 with everything matching. All numbers the same with U.S. Navy on the frame--EXCEPT grips. They are marked KT WAL--RH 5214. I have seen several flight crews armed with the 38 but all with the smooth grips--I plan to replace my new weapon with the smooth handles even thought the grips look perfect on the weapon. The grips do cover up the swivel hole. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[murphydog]

My first time on the forum--I just purchased a victory navy model 38 with everything matching. All numbers the same with U.S. Navy on the frame--EXCEPT grips. They are marked KT WAL--RH 5214. I have seen several flight crews armed with the 38 but all with the smooth grips--I plan to replace my new weapon with the smooth handles even thought the grips look perfect on the weapon. The grips do cover up the swivel hole. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks

Welcome! You are correct, the Victory Model had smooth walnut stocks and the lanyard swivel. The latter was often removed, sometimes to be able to put the larger stocks on.

Two Forum members here maintain a database of this model, and if you can post a partial SN (like V 1234xx) we can usually tell you when the gun shipped from the factory. We also like photos!

Hope this is helpful.

 

[-db-]

My first time on the forum--I just purchased a victory navy model 38 with everything matching. All numbers the same with U.S. Navy on the frame--EXCEPT grips. They are marked KT WAL--RH 5214. I have seen several flight crews armed with the 38 but all with the smooth grips--I plan to replace my new weapon with the smooth handles even thought the grips look perfect on the weapon. The grips do cover up the swivel hole. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks

You have the target stocks listed on the chart Doc44 posted above (post #5). You should be able to trade them for a nice set of smooth Victory model stocks fairly easily, if that's what you'd like to do. You can also find a replacement lanyard loop if yours is missing and you want the gun returned to its original configuration.