Completed a deal for a 1905 4th change today (see earlier post about it). Folks seem to think it is circa 1923 based on serial number. Worked out a $250 price partially based on the replacement grips.

Here's the question: The Standard Catalog says the square butt version is "scarce." So I think I have a square butt version. (See pictures) Is it really scarce? And anyone want to take a guess at value?

I'm going to look for some K-frame replacement grips at
Numrich

Grips, Square Butt, Old Style, Service, Checkered (w/ Medallion; Fair

and also look for some standard K-frame Hogues or Pachs for range time. Anyone have any suggestions, I'm open.

This is a neat old gun. Can't wait to get to the range (just bought some 158 gr. LRNs to shoot).

Here's some pictures:

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	2015-09-15%2016.36.55_preview[1].jpg (101.3 KB, 47 views)

It is definitely a square butt. I would say what you paid for it is a fair price.

Now that I have a 1914, 1921, 1924, 1926, 1939 and 1941 Model of 1905 I'll not pay over $250 for the next one.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

You won't need rubber for range time with a .38 Special. Every 4th change I have seen is square butt. I have three. Enjoy!

Square butts are common, round butts less common.
That was an acknowledged mistake in the 3d Edition of the SCSW.

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John

As JayCeeNC said, this was a mistake in the SCSW which occasionally forces us to crush hopes of folks who think they snagged a rarity .

But $250 for a 1923 square-butt M&P in that condition is a great deal, even if you want to get correct replacement stocks, and even better if you don’t.

" Anyone have any suggestions, I'm open."

Look on eBay.

Thanks for pointing out the mistake....I didn't buy it for anything but a piece of "living" history and craftsmanship I could afford. And I will look for more correct grips for it.

The style you seek is service (small), rounded top, checkered, no medallions. Looking in the Accessories for sale section or posting a Wanted to Buy ad here will probably find you a set.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

If you bought it as a shooter, why bother with period correct grips? They are less comfortable to shoot than rubber grips. Plus, IMO, grips from the '20's are ugly compared to most other decades of S&W grips with medallions. I'd put the money into some elkhorn magnas or target grips.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

IMO . Pachs look just awful on a revolver of that period. If you really need to "get a grip" at the range , targets are a nice option as suggested above , and very , very manageable. A little incongruous for the piece , but still pleasing to the eye GREAT for shooting. And there a lots of them around.

$0.02.

Even with those stocks, $250.00 was a steal. Looks like a really nice one. I cringe when I see rubber grips on such a classic revolver, but the originals aren't that comfortable for shooting. Whatever you use, enjoy it.

Me, I would try those eagle head grips that came with it for range time.

You might like them.

Also try gunsinternational.com. They have a whole category of stocks/grips. Also try Altamonts.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

The suggestion offered by Kurusu has merit. You already have those grips - they may be good shooters. Give them a try and report back.

If yours is a 1923 the closest I have to it is a 1924. It shipped 9/24. I paid $350 for it on GB. I have no problem with the stocks.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065