Smith Revolver Original Stock Question

[sean1129]

I’ve got a 17-5 that I’m swapping stocks on—from a lighter pair of Smith target stocks in walnut to the same stocks in goncalo alves so that it will match another gun for my boys. When I do, I might part with the original stocks, but people often say to retain the original stocks. I’ve the original box, but what would denote if the stocks are original to the gun? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Speedo66]

Some grips have serial numbers on the inside, sometimes the checkering pattern changes. It all depends on the individual gun.

Factory grips get a premium on sale sites.

 

[kscharlie]

Target stocks for S&W revolvers were never numbered to the gun (with a few very rare exceptions). The only stocks numbered to a gun were the magna stocks and the older service type stocks. Period correct target stocks are as close as you can get. If you are simply changing one set of targets for another, it really won't matter, as long as both sets match in features.

 

[Pat Riot]

I have read that the Magna grips had serial numbers prior to 1982/1983 on certain models. Thank just cannot remember where I found this info.

KSCharlie is correct regarding Target Grips.

If I can find my Standard Catalogs of Smith & Wesson I could probably verify this. I haven’t seen them since my move and they are still boxed up somewhere.

Personally, it wouldn’t really matter to me. I would keep the grips. They are the grips that came with your gun when you bought it. That’s my opinion.

 

[sean1129]

Thanks for all of the help—much appreciated.