Straps, front and back:

[Donald Paul]

I'd like to talk about front-straps and back-straps.
I believe that S&W HE revolvers have used three types since 1896: smooth, six groove, and ten groove. {Maybe more}.
I'm wondering if there is any semblance of use that can be applied to: the model number, the year, the frame type, or any other recognizable variation or feature.
From what I see, I believe that the six groove straps are older and less common than the ten groove straps.
I'm aware that the front strap sometimes is used to display the serial number, such as with the Regulation Police model.
Any thoughts and/or comments?
Thanks- Donald

 

[Hondo44]

Hi Donald,

• Serrated triggers and grip 6 groove straps order change August 14, 1923, on all K frame Target Model .38 & .32 Winchester revolvers.

• 6 groove Serrated Tangs on N frame Target guns began with the engineering order of Oct 17, 1927.

• 1935 - Serrated trigger introduced on the I frame with the .22/32 Kit Gun & replaced the .22/32 Target smooth trigger

• 1950 - Serrated triggers were introduced with the first J frame, the .38 Chiefs Special, all models.

• ~ 1950 - Serrated triggers, already used on I frame targets since 1935, began a transition replacing smooth triggers on all fixed sight I frames until completed with the Models of 1953.

• 6 groove tangs to 10 groove; K frame 38s, (K256XXX shipped June '56 with 6 grooves and K271XXX July '56 with 10 grooves); N-frame change occurred in mid-1956 at approximately serial number S166700.

Serial #s stamped on front grip strap of I frames and single shots from introduction whenever supplied with stocks that covered the grip frame butt thru 1957.

 

[Donald Paul]

...wow, Jim.
Thank you.
I'll make a copy of that.
-Don