Any Opinions on the Older, S&W J - Round 'Banana Stocks' ?

[dpast32]

Good Morning Folks, I attempting to solicit a few opinions concerning the older, circa 1970 - 1980's 'Round Butt F Frame' Stocks, regarding their relative 'usefulness', for lack of a better term ? I'll also appreciate an average price range for a used, in beautiful condition, except for the fact of someone having apparently removed / stripped the Factory finish off of them, leaving them somewhat 'dull' in appearance, although not ugly at all.( A quick rub with Tru-Oil, & or any similar substance should restore them sufficiently for use. ) The seller is asking, with Sales Tax will run me $52.50, which I guess isn't too bad considering they're original S&W Grips ? Although I've encountered them frequently throughout the years, I've never actually fired anything wearing them. If anyone here has, I'd appreciate hearing their assessment of this design's functionality, recoil control, etc. Are they worth what they'll run me ? THANK YOU Guys,

Best, dpast32

[RGNewell]

I love them. I have them on my EDC model 640 pro series. They can be trying with defense 357 loads

[rbmac52]

The factory round butt target stocks for j-frame revolvers are a great alternative to the small original magna stocks. I have several sets, both checkered and smooth. The price you have been quoted for the set you describe seems reasonable considering the original finish has been removed. I think you will be pleased with them as they position your hand properly on the gun, while the original magnas do not. Good luck with your purchase.

[GerSan69]

I've always loved those stocks. They were in demand where I was back in the day. I still have a couple sets and I wouldn't part with them, but I'd value them anywhere from $75-125. They're nice because you can leave them as-is or cut them down and make boot grips (blasphemy, but it works.) I particularly like them on a 3" Chief.

[LPD256]

Love them.

[dpast32]

In theory, they do appear functional, in a way to soak up a degree of recoil, yet the somewhat 'thinner' style design towards the bottom seems to me slightly counterintuitive, where as numerous other designs tend to 'flare' towards the bottom, in direct contrast to the 'Banana' style ?

Best, dpast32

[two-bit cowboy]

I like them a bunch, too.

They fill up my mitt, and they look good doing it.

I heartily agree with GerSan69's comment about the 3" Chiefs.

This set letters to the gun, manufactured around '71 and shipped in '76.

[Mike, SC Hunter]

My 2" 63, my 2" 34 blue, my 2" 34 nickel and my 2" 60-1 wear "em"............Nothing better.

[ColbyBruce]

In my area these stocks can run $100.00+. I am also a fan of the design.

[dpast32]

OK, See what you people did to me, yet again !! You made me buy those Grips, even though I didn't truly need them !! I guess I didn't do too bad at $52.50 total, including Tax & Shipping. I know exactly what they're going on too. Currently, my 3" M-640 is wearing a set of 'Boot Grips', although based on what I use it for, I would be much better served with a larger, somewhat more combat oriented type Grip, as even though I had initially intended it for occasional CCW, it's since morphed into just another 'House Gun', so to speak. I decided that based on it's loaded weight, it simply isn't as size / weight efficient as some of my other CCW designated weapons, I am sorry to say !! NOW, had it had been an Alloy Framed 3" 642, well that's a whole different story !! It's been a while now since I dressed up my 640, so I guess it was due for an makeover ! THANK YOU Guys,

Best, dpast32

[PeteC]

I like them and would definitely buy them at that 52.50 price unfinished. They seem to work well in my large hands.

There is not as much interest (or information) about the S&W J-Frame grips, compared to K and N, and there does not seem to be a handy reference to identify or date them, either.

They are about my favorite J-Frame wood grip made by S&W. Pic below is next to finger groove closed back grips made by Karl Nill company.

The concept behind the Nill grips is the same as the S&W combat style grips. Unfortunately if your fingers do not fill the finger grooves naturally, they don't offer any real advantage, and may even be worse. However, they DO move your palm back a bit, which may be an advantage for some people with large hands (like me).

[DGNY]

The pair you found for $52.40 all-in are a very handsome set, as you know. I daresay they will look excellent when finished up.

Since hands vary so much, all I can say is I use them on my S&W 3" J 60–4 with 38+P; and they are perfectly adequate for that small amount of recoil.

[rockquarry]

They certainly make a J-frame easier to shoot well, as do all stocks larger than the original round butt wood stocks that came on these guns, but, being larger they also take away from the original design and intent: to make a revolver as small as is practically possible.

I prefer the original stocks and practice using them, even if they're not as comfortable as larger stocks. I'd get a Colt Detective Special or Cobra or a K-frame S&W if I wanted larger stocks.

[Narragansett]

Those stocks will finish nicely with hot boiled linseed, and a few coats of renwax. They have nice grain

[rbmac52]

I agree with rockquarry on both counts: the j-frame targets make the gun easier to hold and shoot, but they compromise concealability quite a bit. I use the target grips for recreational shooting but I train and carry with smooth magnas on my j-frame guns because they give me maximum concealability, which is what conceal carry is all about. Of course, this is just my opinion and I respect those who might disagree.

[heeter3]

Like GersSan 69 and DGNY I like them and they ride on my 3 in round butt 36 perfectly.

[NCBeagle]

I have always liked them. Particularly, on the 3” J frames. In fact, bought a set at the SWCA symposium in Tusla this past week. Think they’ll go on a nickel Model 36.




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[mojave30cal]

I think they look dorky. Hey, you asked.

[majick47]

Not sure if same time frame or earlier Rogers/Safariland had wood tone and black plastic stocks similar to the S&W "bananas". Price decent since S&W bananas tend to sell in the $100 neighborhood these days. I like the subdued dull finish compared to the high gloss.

[Mike, SC Hunter]

I like the J frame targets on the 4" guns.

[minconrevo]

I've had several pair of the S&W factory smooth wood "banana" grips. They look good on a J frame but I don't like how they feel when I shoot 'em, even with mild .38's.

For actual carry and use, I prefer smooth magna's with a grip adapter. Better yet I like the "rubber" boot-style grips without finger grooves that S&W used to sell. These work well with snappy loads while still concealing.

Different grips for different hands; aren't choices great!

[KEN L]

Never liked the looks, nor the feel of them. They cause me to hold the gun unnaturally muzzle down. They do seem to help tame recoil though.

[153]

Those handles look like rosewood to me. If so they should finish up nicely.

[Green Frog]

Since you asked, IMHO they feel good and handle well for many folks but look ugly as a mud fence. There are so many stocks with good handling and good looks, not all from the factory. Glad I put on my flame-proof BVDs!

Froggie

[PeteC]

Originally Posted by Green Frog

Since you asked, IMHO they feel good and handle well for many folks but look ugly as a mud fence. There are so many stocks with good handling and good looks, not all from the factory. Glad I put on my flame-proof BVDs!

Froggie

Ouch! I always thought they looked better than the more bulky combat style stocks on a J-Frame... I am NEVER posting a pic of my dog in this forum... !

[saemetric]

I prefer these on 3” J frames. Combats

[CH4]

They fit and look great!

[kaaskop49]

Originally Posted by rbmac52

I agree with rockquarry on both counts: the j-frame targets make the gun easier to hold and shoot, but they compromise concealability quite a bit. I use the target grips for recreational shooting but I train and carry with smooth magnas on my j-frame guns because they give me maximum concealability, which is what conceal carry is all about. Of course, this is just my opinion and I respect those who might disagree.

My 2 SB 36s have Tyler T-grips installed with the factory service stocks. Now that makes for a nice concealable package! No problem controlling +P ammo on a silo.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

[dpast32]

THANKS Guys, For all the input & comments, I appreciate it. I figured that at the price I ended up getting them for, I simply couldn't pass them up. I of course have numerous ways of finishing them, from a rubbed oil type, through to just spraying them with a light to medium coat of poly coating. Years ago I used to go over my damaged or worn Grips with the old Birchwood Casey 'Tru Oil', which I'm not even certain is available now ? Due to their proposed use on one of my House Weapons, I may just apply a spray coat & call it done. Honestly, I could even leave them as is, if I can live with the 'dull look' ? I've been looking at some of the G10 types available for around $36.00 delivered, as I like their feel. They used to run almost double that price, but it now appears as if someone has decided to make them available at a much lower price. 'If' in fact they're comparable to the initial versions, they tend to be a nice option if you're fond of the G10 type material. If I remember to, I'll Post a photo of them when finished. THANKS AGAIN

Best, dpast32

[Mike, SC Hunter]

Originally Posted by Green Frog

Since you asked, IMHO they feel good and handle well for many folks but look ugly as a mud fence. There are so many stocks with good handling and good looks, not all from the factory. Glad I put on my flame-proof BVDs!

Froggie

AIN"T it great I don't have to like what you like and YOU don't have to like what I like????????

Guess that's why there is more than one flavor of ice cream.

[dpast32]

Just another brief observation here. Based upon the many member submitted photos concerning my recently obtained 'Banana Stocks', it does appear that many of us here tend to favor using this type / style Grips on their 3" J Frames, as opposed to any other barrel length. Just an observation. Apparently, many of us still have an fondness for the multi purpose 'little / big' 3" barreled S&W J Frames. IMHO the only 'real' fault they possess remains of course, their capacity of only 5 rounds. 'If' you can live with that fact, you might indeed have an all around, though 'lite duty' CCW, IMHO anyway. My only personal issue is as mentioned earlier is their weight, which I consider too heavy for what you 'gaining' ? But, for certain, specific tasks, I feel that they simply perfect for specifically selected tasks. In my opinion, if S&W decided to update / upgrade their J Frame line up, they would gain a whole new great of younger purchasers. And again, just in my opinion, the Alloy, & or Scandium 3" J Frames would become the 'star's of the show. Hey, I might actually buy one !!

Best, dpast32

[majick47]

Tried a number of J frame stocks both factory and aftermarket for 2", always came back to the factory magna grips with a grip adapter, Tyler S&W etc. 3" J frame another story, concealability compromised might as well go with larger stocks.

[LPD256]

My frequently carried gun is a 60-15 with a three inch barrel and factory target stocks which are comfortable to shoot and still concealable with the right holster/clothing.

[dpast32]

Good Morning Guys, I THANK everyone for the 'Likes' ! I do have a favor to ask here, as I was thinking about the Grips I just ordered, I realized that I hadn't noticed if a Grip Screw included with them ? And, I was right. I didn't notice at the time, but now I'm going to have to find one, somewhere ? If anyone here happens to have one to sell which is correct for, or will fit these Banana Grips, I would DEEPLY APPRECIATE hearing from them. I may have one around somewhere, but finding it amongst almost 50 years of assorted 'gun stuff' will indeed be an exercise in futility, so to speak. If anyone has a suitable replacement for sale, PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU Gents,

Best, dpast32

[weatherby]

It might be me but that set looks a bit bigger than J could they be K's?

If so you stole them.

[dpast32]

Re: J Frame Grip Screw update. I 'think' I've found a suitable replacement, & the seller's add even shows a photo of the alleged replacement screw being used on an original pair of Factory Banana Grips. ( Although the exhibited Grips are very similar, they're not the 'exact' type as mine, but rather are the 'Checkered' version of the same Banana type. Therefore, I assume they'll fit without any issues. ) I can get it for about $8.50, delivered. Ohh well, I initially thought I had grabbed the pair for a nice price, but once you ad the Grip Screw it kind of changes the perspective somewhat, although I guess I still didn't do too bad ? THANKS Guys,

Best, dpast32

[Mike, SC Hunter]

Originally Posted by dpast32

Good Morning Guys, I THANK everyone for the 'Likes' ! I do have a favor to ask here, as I was thinking about the Grips I just ordered, I realized that I hadn't noticed if a Grip Screw included with them ? And, I was right. I didn't notice at the time, but now I'm going to have to find one, somewhere ? If anyone here happens to have one to sell which is correct for, or will fit these Banana Grips, I would DEEPLY APPRECIATE hearing from them. I may have one around somewhere, but finding it amongst almost 50 years of assorted 'gun stuff' will indeed be an exercise in futility, so to speak. If anyone has a suitable replacement for sale, PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU Gents,

Best, dpast32

If not. Go to a Fas-In-All store........They can fix ya up.

[dpast32]

THANKS Guys, I just ordered the Screw as shown above installed in the Checkered set of Banana Grips. I'm almost certain it will fit properly, as both Grips are Factory S&W manufacture, & of the same style, except of course for one is checkered, & one is not. It only set me back another $8.50 or so, & I can live with that. THANKS very much for all the kind replies & assistance, it was most appreciated.

Best, dpast32