I regularly see these two styles:

(posted by Kamerer)
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd275/kamerer/grips/N%20grips/IMGP2460.jpg

However, there is a third style. The bottom is distinctly "squared off" with a PC magna style rounded contour with double cutouts. A set can be seen on page 338 of the SCSW 3rd. Which guns came with this type of N frame round butt combats?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jeremyws1,

I'v noticed the same 3 differences. It's been my understanding the rounded side ones were 1'st series, the flat sides were 2nd series, the flat butts (bottom) would be 3rd series?? I have 5 guns with N rd.factory combats & all are the 1st series that I mentioned above

I don't have a definitive answer, but I concur that what I've seen is the

1) "1st Generation" - came on all the Lew Horton-distributed 3" guns 1984-1987.

2) "2nd generation" (in morado wood, I think) - came on subsequent factory, regularly catalogued N rounds from 1989 to the early 90s.

3) that "PC" type is new to me, or I'd never noticed the difference. Perhaps it was just a stylistic flourish they did for the commemoratives? Because that gun on pg. 338 would have appeared at the same time I've seen the "2nd generations" ones on other guns.

quote:

Originally posted by johnny3:
I have 5 guns with N rd.factory combats & all are the 1st series that I mentioned above

Johnny, I'm guessing these were all LH guns from the 80s, or grips added later (not original)?

Page 200, 29-5 Magna Classic? I'm not sure, but they look like the "third series" to me.

After researching Magna Classics, I believe "2nd series" combats were used.

Grinder was nice enough to send me these pictures:

These grips came with the 629 Classic DX models in the early nineties. They are Morado wood, also called Pau Ferro wood according to several internet sources.

Does anyone know any place to purchase any of these grips online. I have kept my eye out for a set for a while and nothing has shown up on gunbroker or fleabay.

I have seen Combats with an extractor relief cut (football), instead of being relieved for a speed loader. Someone posted photos about a year ago (I couldn‘t find it in search) . I’d love to find a set of those and consider those the first style.

The next type of Combats (I think) are relieved for a speed loader on the left stock only, but otherwise seemed identical to the first. Both are fatter than the Morado Combats (with sharper grooves) and have stainless circle inserts. The elimination of inserts seemed to happen around 1992.

The Morado wood Combats have the speed loader relief on both stocks, either to clear the logo or factory etching. They’re thinner and shorter than the others. I haven’t seen any with stock circle inserts.

The PC style Morado Combat (excellent description) is new to me too. I’ve seen some where the sides are flatter than others and the edges sharper, but I’ve considered that just a manufacturing variance. The ones you posted above look extreme. Any chance they were modified outside the factory?

Combats


Morado Combats

The grips were shipped on a 629 "Mountain Lion" (as seen on page 338 of the SCSW 3rd). I don't believe they have been modified. Grinder is welcome to verify that statement.

Jeremy,
yes, they were original on a NIB 1989 Mountain Lion 629.
Same wood type , finish, and shape as the set you pointed out in the SCSW on the same gun.
They could have been made special for that limited run or a test batch from another contractor ? Who knows
Enjoy them