Target Stocks

[Goony]

I was wondering about the internal history at Smith & Wesson as it pertains to target stocks, and I'm meaning here particularly the standard checkered type that would ship with revolvers (especially "target" models) from the factory. At one time these were made of walnut, but sometime in the early 1970's, I think, there was a transition to Goncalo alves, which then became predominantly (if not wholly) S&W's wood of choice.

I'm curious as to what was the impetus to or thinking behind this changeover. Was there a cost consideration, or did somebody in the company convince management regarding how much fancier Goncalo alves looked, or just what?

 

[JP@AK]

It is rather interesting. GA became standard on some models (Model 19 comes to mind first). But walnut continued to be used on other models for a long time thereafter (K-38 Masterpiece would be a good example).

 

[Doc44]

Target stocks made of Goncalo alves were standard only on the 44 Magnum (29), .357 Combat Magnum after 1959 (19), and the 41 Magnum (57). However, target stocks made from exotic woods could always be ordered as an extra cost option on any model. In the mid-70s, the Model 25 and Model 27 were upgraded to include target stocks made of Goncalo alves. I have not included the later models such as the 66, 629 etc.

Bill

 

[Model29-26.5]

I wish they’d make the old style target stocks again. I think the thumb cut is the time consuming part that can’t be done by CNC…hand checkering, too.

 

[Goony]

Target stocks made of Goncalo alves were standard only on the 44 Magnum (29), .357 Combat Magnum after 1959 (19), and the 41 Magnum (57)....

With respect to what you're saying regarding the Model 19, do diamond Goncalo alves stocks exist then? I don't recall ever having seen an example of such. Would anybody have a pic?

 

[JP@AK]

Goony

This pair came originally on a Model 19-2. They are shown here on a Model 15-2 that belonged to my father. So, yes, they do exist.

 

[Doc44]

Another pair from 1960 on a Model 19.

Bill

 

[GF]

I have some from, "we'll use the wood from the pallets stacked out back" era.

 

[Keith Brown]

Pallet stocks are the product of Colt in the 70s.
Model 29-26.5, S&W stock were not hand checkered, over time a number of different power setups were used but all of them were rotary cut, the process was most likely 2-3 minutes per set(checkering). And it’s a testament to the equipment and workers that they made such nice stocks.

 

[weatherby]

With respect to what you're saying regarding the Model 19, do diamond Goncalo alves stocks exist then? I don't recall ever having seen an example of such. Would anybody have a pic?

You didn't ask but Rosewood DT's
Exist also

 

[boykinlp]

Beautiful, Paul!
Larry