When did speedloader cut-out come into being on target grips?

[diamonback68]

Anyone know definitively when Smith made the transition from "football" cut-out to the "speedloader cut-out" on target grips? I have alway been under the impression it was about 1982, about when speedloader came out, but I have seen some say that it could have happened as early as 1980. Anyone know for sure?

 

[jj2am44]

I know my 29-3 that I bought in 1983 did not have the cut out. I'm thinking 1984.

 

[akviper]

The Model 19 I bought in 1973 had the speed loader "foot ball" type cut out. I bought a 686 around 1982 that had the larger to the frame cut out.

 

[The Big D]

I had speedloaders as a newbie LEO in summer, 1975. As I recall, these were made by Dade Screw Company, and the cartridges were secured by a metal spring around the "chamber" holding the cartridges.

We were issued Model 10, heavy barrel, 4" revolvers and I quickly replaced the grips with oversized ones. Those grips did NOT have provisions for speedloaders so I simply sanded the grips to allow for them.

Used those grips for about 16 years 'til we switched to semi-autos.

Be safe.

 

[bk43]

Extractor cut or football late 1955. Speed loader cut 1983. Both with the usual S&W exceptions.

Bob

 

[diamonback68]

Reason I asked is I recently came into a beautiful 19-4 that I have dated to December 1980 that had targets with the speedloader cut-out on it. I'm pretty sure these were added at a later date. No problem though as I have a gorgeous set of target football cut-outs that I can swap out on it.
Thanks all.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Dick,
I know that Doc44 has said here before that the K frames stocks were available with the full speed loader access as early as '76 or so. The N's came about with the general change over to the -3 in '82, but as usual, S&W used up remaining inventories of football stocks until they were gone.

 

[njdet354]

Speed Loader Cutout

I worked in a gun shop in the late 70's. I know we got Model 19's & 66"s in 78 or 79 with the cutout.

 

[luis]

I just looked at my 1977 S&W factory catalog. Grips with speedloader cuts were available for sale. You could order the new speedloader grips on get the standard football grips.