"Shifting" Target stocks?

[Fishslayer]

I was looking at a beautiful 29-2 today. The Target stocks had a very shiny finish and moved around (rotated) a good 1/8 - 1/4 inch on the frame. The owner said the screw was just loose. Also that they were the original stocks for the gun.
Does this sound normal?

I'm very much a S&W n00b but the stocks on both of my S&W N frames fit pretty tight even with the screw removed. The stocks on my 28-2 are actually a bit of a pain to remove.

If it turns out the stocks are broken/defective/whatever how much of a $$$ lever would that be? It's priced a bit more than I'm willing to go right now but maybe if it sits around a bit cash in hand might be motivating.

 

[ttrotter]

Stocks that move around that much (even without a screw) should be replaced asap, IMHO. I would want to deduct at least $75-$100 because it will cost you that (and more if you go with really nice grained wood) to replace targets.
Also, since targets are not #'ed to the gun, it really would make no difference to me if they were original.
Good luck,
Tom

 

[ronnie gore]

grips

no they should not move that much. sounds like maybe the washer that fits into the top of the frame may be missing or loose. see if he will let you take the grips off for a look. if you have to replace the grips they will be anywhere from $50.00 to $75.00 or more just according to how old the 29 is, ronnie

 

[BruceM]

Time to remove the stocks and actually see what's going on. Could be washers or the locating pin and/or pin hole in the bottom of the stocks or any combination of ingredients. You'll be fortunate with getting away with $75 to replace the stocks with a nice set IF they cannot be repaired.



Bruce

 

[borntoraisehogs]

I have nothing stashed compared to most of you all , but I don't think I am the only one who has a hard time keeping a straight face while haggling price on the right piece , when the only issue is stocks .

 

[Fishslayer]

Thanks for the replies. I'm gonna let this one simmer a bit. If somebody else buys it, fine. If not...

Not really my cup o' tea, but there's just no denying the utter awesomeness of an 8 3/8" nickel M29.

Actually, I didn't much care for the glossy stocks when I first saw it. (The wife was with me & I didn't want to show TOO much interest.)IMO the thing is screaming for a set of Keith Brown's replica Cokes in dark red with satin finish...

 

[ttrotter]

..."the thing is screaming for a set of Keith Brown's replica Cokes in dark red with satin finish... "

Now you're talking!! Funny, I was just looking at his site today as I'm on the search for just the right set of stocks for my 27-2. Gorgeous work he does.

 

[29-1]

Sounds like the stock pin in the butt might be missing. It happens from time to time and you won't notice it unless you remove the stocks.
Chuck

 

[Alk8944]

Sounds like the stock pin in the butt might be missing. It happens from time to time and you won't notice it unless you remove the stocks.
Chuck

BINGO! Why did it take so long for someone to think of this?

This is the most likely problem and easily remedied. Don't write the gun off until at least taking the stocks off and looking. Even if the stock washers are missing, or the pin hole is wallowed out, these are easy fixes that are a lot simpler and cheaper than assuming the stocks will have to be replaced.

 

[BruceM]

"BINGO! Why did it take so long for someone to think of this? "

Actually, I did in the third response:

"Could be washers or the locating pin and/or pin hole in the bottom of the stocks"



Bruce

 

[Fishslayer]

Well.... we'll never know...

Went by today looking for primers & have another look at the 29 (well..OK.. I DID have a bit of cash in my pocket )and.. it was gone.

Maybe next time. I would rather lose out than make an expensive mistake due to lack of research. Someday I'll have all that info in my head...

 

[StingrayG4]

There's another one around the corner if you keep looking for it. Enjoy the hunt.

-S

 

[sw282]

si--------------------

 

[bmcgilvray]

My Model 29 8 3/8-inch saw a lot of silhouette shooting the first few years I had it. Its factory stocks developed this shifting problem. I fixed it one day when I was glass bedding a rifle stock. I just applied a bit of the Acura-Glas in the stocks and pin holes. Even with using the release agent, the initial removal of the stocks after the application was tough. Over 25 years and many more heavy loads later the stocks are still staying in place.