And now I know why grips were numbered! A while back I posted a photo of my newly acquired transitional M&P 38 Snubby (shortly to become a Pre-10). My gun show acquistion was sporting really goreous pearls. I thought I might seek correct wood...
A very trusting and generous forum member sent me 3 sets of scarce "sharp shoulder" K frame SB grips. Of the 3 sets, numbers on two of them would imply they shipped a few months later in 1948 than my snubby.The third set shipped in early 1950's.
I was stunned at the difference in fit among the various sets. One, fortunately fit like it had been final sanded on the gun. One pair mounted noticeably forward on the frame with about 1/16th inch of backstrap exposed. The last pair sat low with wood proud at both the butt strap and back strap with the front stap expsed by a little less than 1/16th inch.
Since I had never had the opportunity to have multiple sets of earlier grips at one time, this was a real learning experience. Thanks for the opportunity. If I get the time I may try to photograph the various grips. In the meantime, here's a photo of the kid wearing pearls.
Now I Really Believe Stocks Were Hand Fitted
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