Can somebody point me in the direction of modern j-frame grips that will fit a .38 DA? Preferably with an exposed backstrap and not extended at the bottom also needs to wrap around the front to give it a better handling with the added thickness.
I've been looking into getting a tyler t-grip and just a couple of "slabs" (in lack of better terms), but i think its better to just get something that looks more aesthetically pleasing.
From my understanding the .38 DA frames are thicker than the later j-frame revolvers, is that correct?
Last edited by topbreakfan; 06-02-2020 at 04:42 PM.
The .38DA shares the grip frame size wit the I frame and very early J frame. Modern J grips are too long at the bottom. That said, you could probably use factory J target or banana grips or most of the aftermarket rubber grips like Uncle Mike's. I've never thought to try them on my .38DA's.
I've seen a few with this type of grip. Guess that is from what you'd call an early j-frame? Seen them with better fit though, this is just a photo i found just now.
The last photo (creds to dwalt) is of some sort of banana grip(?), but it looks completely out of place. The safety hammerless revolvers pictured in the same thread seems to be more accepting of newer style grips thanks to more metal on the frame and the different curvature of the trigger guard.
Last edited by topbreakfan; 06-02-2020 at 06:17 PM.
That is a J-frame grip I picked up at a garage sale, and it seems to fit the .38 DA fine. It makes a world of difference in shooting comfort, and I don't care how strange it looks. This is the original picture without the PB banner.
Thanks for chiming in.
Is there any gap between the grip plates? I know for instance that a K & L frame grip will fit an older 44 DA, but one will have to remove material from the inside of the plates in order for them to close completely around the grip due to the thicker frame.
Almost all pre-war stocks were hand fitted on the frame before final polishing and finishing, so no two are exactly the same. This process took both metal and wood off so many period stocks found will not fit perfectly on another gun. The attached pdf shows list of almost all compatible hard rubber stocks is attached for those interested in other models of S&W. These dimensions, shapes and sizes also hold true for all wood service stocks of the era from the 1870s to WWII.
Frame sizes S, Y, D, P, and I are the same. That is 38 SA (all models), 38 DA (all models), 38 Safety (all models), 38 Perfected, and 32 HE. My theory is that the company purposely copied the frame shape and size through the decades in order to use the same manufacturing equipment and processes to save money and simplify their inventory.
Got a set of wooden grips from the far east in the mail today.
The screwed right on with no issues. They do have a bit of added material at the bottom of the grip frame, about 3mm or so, but it looks good. Also there is a bit of extra material on the top extending above the frame behind the hammer which i am gonna cut down. Its about 8 mm or so at the tallest portion. I suspect that these grips would work on a safety hammerless .38 with no need for any modifications.
These were open back j frame round butt grips.
Last edited by topbreakfan; 07-22-2020 at 08:54 AM.
J-frame grips for .38 DA?
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