Did a baby chief have the same size grip as an I frame?

[ABPOS]

Someone is building a Fitz model out of a Baby Chief and found this stocks / grips in a bin. We were wondering why some really old pre war type stocks would fit since the Chiefs weren't introduced until 1950. At least, it seems like these are Pre war type grips.

So was the I frame grip the same dimensions? Or what gives here?

And please, I'd rather not have this thread turn into a debate on if one should or shouldn't Fitz a model. I have no opinion either way and it's not my gun. I'm just trying to understand the frame size stuff. But for what it's worth, that gun was pretty far gone with rust and pitting.

[two-bit cowboy]

Originally Posted by ABPOS

So was the I frame grip the same dimensions?

Yes.

Lots and lots of threads here with that info.

[DWalt]

The grip frame is the same as the I-frame, but the window for the cylinder is longer to accommodate the .38 Special cartridge. So it is a J-frame.

[two-bit cowboy]

ABPOS:

Took me a while to find it; see posts 11 & 15 in this thread:

My Dad's .38 Special

[ABPOS]

Thanks guys!!!

[Hondo44]

ABPOS,

In a nutshell:

I or J frame size does not determine Grip frame or stock size.

There are two I frame and two J frame grip sizes. I and J frame stocks are the same size for the same vintage.

Pre Model 1953 I frames back to 1896, thru post war Transitional and Improved I frames, and Model 1950 Baby J frames have the same size grip frames (and small trigger guards).

Model of 1953 New I frames and New J frames, again both have the same size NEW 1/8" longer round grip frame length and larger egg shaped trigger guards.

[SFIDEC]

Pictured is my attempt to see what this little BC would look like wearing MOP's. I liked the look but the mainspring stirrup binds on grip screw and will not allow full cocked position.
Would this be due to variation in grip screw position on aftermarket grips?

[Muley Gil]

Originally Posted by SFIDEC

Pictured is my attempt to see what this little BC would look like wearing MOP's. I liked the look but the mainspring stirrup binds on grip screw and will not allow full cocked position.
Would this be due to variation in grip screw position on aftermarket grips?

Yes indeed. Those MOP grips probably came off of an I frame with the flat mainspring.

[Hondo44]

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

Yes indeed. Those MOP grips probably came off of an I frame with the flat mainspring.

Bingo!

It is the after market grip screw location. And these photos exhibit the difference in screw location from factory MOPS which fit both I frames with leaf spring or coil spring.

Factory MOPs:



These after market MOPS do however have the same screw location as the factory and also work with both leaf and coil mainsprings:



After market MOPs from above with misplaced screw location:


Photo credit: SFIDEC