Year date on Stocks?

[28WheelGirl]

Hello Everyone! Just bought a model 19-5 and 66-1 at a gun show this weekend. I used "the book" to date them. The mod 19 is from 1982 and the mod 66 is from 1981. Here's my question: The stocks seem to have the year on them. After S&W stopped putting the serial number on the right stock, did they ever put the year on the stock? I've never seen that before.

Also, interestingly, the mod 66 which of course does not have a pinned barrel, has a recessed cylinder. That's kind of a cool cross over.

 

[murphydog]

The Target stocks of the 1980s often had a complete (month/day/year) ink date stamp on them, which presumably was the day the part was made and not the gun itself.

The very late model 66-1s (among others in the "transitional" period between pinned barrels and recessed cylinders and the later parts) would have one feature or the other. It seems mostly unpinned barrels with earlier recessed cylinders as you see on your gun. Enjoy!

 

[28WheelGirl]

Thank-you!

 

[StrawHat]

I remember getting target stocks, purchased separately on a cardboard package, that were dated. I am not aware they shipped on revolvers that way.

Kevin

 

[jcs266]

The target stocks my like-new 624 came with "Nov 24, 1984" stamped in ink on the insides. I believe those 624's came out between Jan and May of 1985, so that would match time frames well.

The stocks were stamped with ink when completed.

 

[boykinlp]

Hello Everyone! Just bought a model 19-5 and 66-1 at a gun show this weekend. I used "the book" to date them. The mod 19 is from 1982 and the mod 66 is from 1981. Here's my question: The stocks seem to have the year on them. After S&W stopped putting the serial number on the right stock, did they ever put the year on the stock? I've never seen that before.

Also, interestingly, the mod 66 which of course does not have a pinned barrel, has a recessed cylinder. That's kind of a cool cross over.

I have a Model 66-2 where the number 2 is stamped over a 1. Mine transitional model is just the opposite of yours. It had a pinned barrel without the recessed cylinder. It also has a small trademark on the left side. I bought it new as my first gun purchase after I became of age. It is still one of my favorites!
Larry