I inherited from my father-in-law a S&W 22, six-shot with 6" barrel and according to serial number it was made in 1953, and he had bought it new. My question: the grips are wood and the left grip has a thumb rest, and were these "target" grips with thumb rest a factory option or an after market? Thanks in advance for any info.
S&W Vintage 22
- Thread starter oreod
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Sometimes called "elephant ear" stocks these were not factory options and were added at some point.
Aftermarket.
And having said that, I assume what you're calling a thumb rest protrudes from the grip--and the thumb rests on it.
The alternative---an indentation in the grip (left side), more or less where the thumb would be, is not a thumb rest. My collection (and knowledge) pre-dates such indentations, so I cannot speak with certain authority; but I suppose they are to provide clearance for ejecting empty cartridges---and/or clearance for a "speed loader". Grips with such indentations are factory----but came along quite some time after 1953 (I'm pretty sure.).
Needless to say, a photo would work wonders to clarify what you're calling a thumb rest.
Ralph Tremaine
And having said that, I assume what you're calling a thumb rest protrudes from the grip--and the thumb rests on it.
The alternative---an indentation in the grip (left side), more or less where the thumb would be, is not a thumb rest. My collection (and knowledge) pre-dates such indentations, so I cannot speak with certain authority; but I suppose they are to provide clearance for ejecting empty cartridges---and/or clearance for a "speed loader". Grips with such indentations are factory----but came along quite some time after 1953 (I'm pretty sure.).
Needless to say, a photo would work wonders to clarify what you're calling a thumb rest.
Ralph Tremaine
Last edited:
"elephant ear" grips? Have not heard that expression in 40 years. Thanks Frank for conjuring up old memories.
Try to post a picture as some varieties of the grips you may be talking about can be quite valuable.
