What serial number did K diamond grips stop at?

[ezb57]

Hello: Im wondering if the end of diamond grips by serial number has ever been determined exactly or even approximately?
What is the lowest number non-diamond grips we have seen?
I have a Model 15 #K736XXX that has some nice but slightly newer (1969) non-diamond PC magnas on it and Id like to hunt down the more correct grips if they should be diamonds. Thanks

 

[JP@AK]

The changeover by serial number would be tough to nail down because the phase-out was gradual with some overlap for a year or so. However, here is a list of change order dates for each style of K frame stocks:

K frame PC Magna Stocks: Change Order #937, issued on October 11, 1965.

K frame standard Magna stocks: Change Order #944, issued on January 11, 1966.

K frame target stocks: Change Order #1032, issued on December 28, 1967.

The serial number of your Combat Masterpiece Model 15-3 points to 1967. It could have had diamond or non-diamond Magna stocks.

Another point: You didn't indicate the barrel length. If it has the 2" barrel, the original stocks would be PC Magna, in which case the likelihood is that they lacked the diamond. If it has a 4" barrel, it would have shipped with standard Magna stocks with or without the diamond.

 

[Doc44]

Directives to eliminate the diamond around the escutcheon and nut on all stocks except target stocks were issued on October 11, 1965 and January 11, 1966. Actual implementation probably depended on the model of handgun, but a guess as to the serial number range for K-frame models would be in the K640000 range (early to mid-1966).

Bill

 

[jpage]

Why did the mothership discontinue diamonds ? Couldn't have been more expensive to produce ....

 

[ezb57]

The changeover by serial number would be tough to nail down because the phase-out was gradual with some overlap for a year or so. However, here is a list of change order dates for each style of K frame stocks:

K frame PC Magna Stocks: Change Order #937, issued on October 11, 1965.

K frame standard Magna stocks: Change Order #944, issued on January 11, 1966.

K frame target stocks: Change Order #1032, issued on December 28, 1967.

The serial number of your Combat Masterpiece Model 15-3 points to 1967. It could have had diamond or non-diamond Magna stocks.

Another point: You didn't indicate the barrel length. If it has the 2" barrel, the original stocks would be PC Magna, in which case the likelihood is that they lacked the diamond. If it has a 4" barrel, it would have shipped with standard Magna stocks with or without the diamond.

Thanks, It is a 2-inch barrel version and a 15-2.
It looks like Im pretty close with the PC Magnas now on it are numbered 882306.
Has anyone ever been able to re-unite old grips with old guns?

 

[Truckman]

Why did the mothership discontinue diamonds ? Couldn't have been more expensive to produce ....

Like all businesses S&W is in it for the money and continued success...A penny saved - you know the rest......Ben

 

[Engine49guy]

Iirc the supply of diamond target stocks lasted longer than the diamond Magnas,,
from my notes:
Model 18-2 , Blue, Barrel, non diamond Magnas, Serial  K 708518  Shipped March 1967

  Model 15-2 , Blue Barrel 4"non diamond magnas  Serial  K 766460 Shipped Nov    1967 .

Do your stocks have a serial nu.ber stamped inside?

 

[ezb57]

Iirc the supply of diamond target stocks lasted longer than the diamond Magnas,,
from my notes:
Model 18-2 , Blue, Barrel, non diamond Magnas, Serial  K 708518  Shipped March 1967

  Model 15-2 , Blue Barrel 4"non diamond magnas  Serial  K 766460 Shipped Nov    1967 .

Do your stocks have a serial nu.ber stamped inside?

Yes, 882306.

 

[ezb57]

Well, I have spotted some diamond PC magnas with serial number higher than my gun's number so Im thinking thats probably what was on mine when new.
These particular stocks are too rough for me but the search is now on.
I wonder how close to my serial number I can get?