What are the original stocks on attached 3.5 inch 27-2?

[CKPOMEH]

Hi folks -

So I finally ended up getting a 3.5 inch 27-2 some time ago that came along those smooth presentation target stocks. SN is N216337 - the SWSC puts in 1974-1977 range. A couple of questions for the group:

1) Can we narrow down the DOB based on the SN above?
2) I read on the forum about the stocks and my understanding is that before 1974 the standard stocks for the 3.5 inch were the target, and after that the Magnas. Remember even reading about presentation target as an option. Given what you see on the pic, and with the SN above, can we confirm what would have been the proper stocks for it?

I like the look of it with the presentation target stocks, and think they balance the gun well, so will most likely keep it like that, but would love to know what it may have come with originally (if not those). When did S&W stop putting the SN on the stocks, BTW - was it somewhere around 1974-75 when they stopped?

Cheers!

 

[glshuck]

Only for sure way to know would be to letter it. Being on the lower end of 2xxxxx-3xxxxx I'd assume it is on the early end of 74-77 but serials and ship date are often not very chronological. Technically the way the 5th edition reads, target stocks became standard in 75' on 6" and 8 3/8" guns but it doesn't seem super uncommon to see factory targets on other barrel length guns in that era either. TS std on all barrel lengths in '80. Serializing non-target stocks stopped in 79' from what I understand but hard and fast rules rarely a thing with smith.

IMO your gun most likely shipped with magnas. Smooth Targets would be less likely to come factory on that than checkered targets.

 

[larryofcc]

Mine is from 1977. Has Goncalo Alves target stocks, target hammer and trigger. 3/1/2" but no Red Ramp, or W/O rear. Pic attached. Big Larry

 

[Engine49guy]

As stated the only way to know what stocks your gun came with is to request a letter.
That being said I usually expect to see Magna stocks on the 3.5" version since it kinda leans more towards a concealed carry piece although in 1974 the Model 19-3 and 66 snub were alot smaller .357 options.

The other hint is that your gun has the standard hammer /trigger and no red ramp, If it had "the works" wide TT/TH/WO/RR I might buy that it could have been special ordered with target stocks or smooth presentation stocks ,
( yours look period correct btw).

S&W was still numbering factory Magnas in 74 but IIRC they only numbered a few target stocks in the 1950's.

 

[Truckman]

IMO your gun most likely shipped with magnas. Smooth Targets would be less likely to come factory on that than checkered targets.

I concur......Ben

 

[CKPOMEH]

S&W was still numbering factory Magnas in 74 but IIRC they only numbered a few target stocks in the 1950's.

Yes, this has been my observation as well - I have only a couple of numbered target stocks, on K-22s from the 1950s...Almost all Magnas I have are numbered, until somewhere in the 70s. I guess getting the Magnas to fit properly was harder than the TS...

 

[Hawg Rider]

Just for reference, both of my 3-1/2" Model 27-2s (N47210; 1970; and N57068; 1971) were shipped with target stocks.

 

[s&wchad]

Yours has a standard trigger and hammer. 99% sure it would have come with Magna stocks.

S&W standardized on the target trigger, target hammer and target stocks on the 27-2 in 1975. They also included a presentation case. Before that, Magna stocks were standard.

 

[Jim Watson]

My older 3.5" has target stocks, standard hammer and trigger. I didn't buy it new, so I can't say if that is original.

I have a M19 that appeared at a gun show with Magnas, but I soon put targets on it.