Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog
The I grip frame is about 1/8" shorter than the J; most J stocks will have the stock pin in a correct position to fit, but the bottom of Magna stock panels will overhang that far.
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Alan,
I or J frame size does not determine Grip frame or stock size.
Pre model 1953 Transitional and Improved I frames, and Baby J frames have the same size grip frame lengths (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.
There are two I frame and two J frame grip sizes. I and J frame stocks are the same size for the same vintage.
1. Before 1953 and with 5 or more screws (back to 1896 for the I frame), the I and J frames and stocks are the same size.
'Mini' diamond Magnas were used on I and J frames after the demise of the 'rd top' Service grips of pre war style.
Pre war, post war, and Improved I grip frames (and Single Shots), and the Baby J grip frame up to 1953 are the same size and interchangeable, whether ‘mini’ Magnas or the 'rd top' Service grips of pre war style.
2. The Models of 1953 New I frame and New J frame grip frames and stocks to the present with 4 or less screws (until the demise of the NEW I frame Jan 1961) are also the same size, both 1/8" longer than the pre 1953 RB stocks.
The 1953 I/J square butt grip frame never had square corners like K/N frames; they have very rounded corners.
Visibly they can be distinguished as shown below on this Improved I frame top, and Model of 1953 New I frame bottom, and by the curved lower checkering border and difference in un-checkered wood below the checkered area, mini Magnas on top, I & J frame Magnas bottom: