I would like to install some different grips, maybe boot grips, on a new Mod. 40-1 Classic with a grip safety. I thought somewhere I read that the profile of the round butt is different than all other J frame RB,s however I'm not finding much info on this. I have seen that old mod 40's are different, one of my questions is the classic profile the same as the old mod. and has anyone found grips that will fit this gun. I might have to just use some Tyler T Grips if they will fit.
Any info on this nice little retro classic will be helpful.
Also has anyone tried reduced power springs on this gun?

Thanks for any replies.

Okay. These are from eagle grips. They call them "secret service" grips.

Nice looking grips, just what I had in mind.
Are those for the mod. 40 or just J frames?

Looks to me like they will work on either one.
Hand Gun Grips, Gun Handles, Pistol Grip from Eagle Grips - Eagle Grips Inc.

J frame grips DO NOT fit the model 40-1. The top half of the back strap has a different shape than the sandard J. Also the size and location of the backing disk is different. Eagle, Spegl and Esmeralda make grips for the S&W 40.

I do not believe this is correct. Original Model 40s had different grips because the grip went all the way up to the top of the frame at the back end.

However, any J frame grip will work on a Model 40, if you don't mind the grip not going all the way up to the top of the frame at the back of the revolver. That is, in fact, how S&W ships the new Model 40s, with standard grips for the Model 36 Chief's Special. The location of the "backing disk" may look like it is in a different location, but that is only because original Model 40 grips were taller from that point up since the original grips went all the way up to the top of the frame in the back.

This got me curious, so I just tried to interchange the original Mod 40 grips to my mod 60 (no dash) and vice versa, and they will not fit "as is". They could be made to fit fairly easily. The location of the positioning disk on the back of the stocks is in a slightly different location.

The J grips will extend back a little further over the "safety" bar than the original mod 40 grips do.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Thanks, H Richard for the input.
By the refitting you mentioned for the grip safety clearence, would this also mean grips would need to be refinshed after altering profile?

Whats the problem? Just tell eagle what gun you have, that you want secret service grips for it. Mine fit my model 40 perfect. I guess I could try them on a 3" RB model 36 I have, but why?

Check out this gunbroker.com auction. The price seems right. I emailed the seller and he told me these were for the Mod 40 Centennial Lemon Squeezer, so I ordered a pair.