Grip Base Plate

dsf · Sep 19, 2020

Am having a search and brain glitch - what are those metal plates called that some cops, shooters tended to screw on to the butt of their S&W wood grips? Are they still available, anyone make them?

Am not attaching to anything valuable such as GA, Cokes, etc. Am turning a round butt into a square with old set of service stocks. The metal plate will help cover up some cosmetics.

rwadley1 · Sep 19, 2020

I am not sure what you are talking about, but there a several grip companies that make round to square conversion grips. You may want to give them a try.

Laketime · Sep 19, 2020

Those were popular in the 70”s throughout the 80”s. I have only seen them for Smith & Wesson K frame. Many law enforcement officer would have their department logo or a military branch served on the butt of the gun.Some came with a kit which required the wood to be drilled and hardware installed allowing for the screws to be screwed into allowing for continuous removal for cleaning.I ought a set at a gun show that was home made with no logo. It dressed up a finish worn model 10 I had them on. I mention this because you might have to go that route if you cannot find one.

andy52 · Sep 19, 2020

It wouldn't be that difficult to make your own with sheet brass, you could even have them engraved with whatever suited you.

stansdds · Sep 19, 2020

You might need to learn some metal skills and make your own. Get a piece of sheet brass, rough cut one a little oversize, mount it, protect the stocks and file it to a perfect fit for your stocks.

mikerjf · Sep 19, 2020

Butt plate?

I remember seeing one and thinking it maybe was to add weight, a target thing.

boykinlp · Sep 19, 2020

I thought they were attitude adjusters!

Larry

Jack Flash · Sep 19, 2020

I thought they were to protect the bottom of the stocks from the nicks and dings they would otherwise inevitably acquire from getting in and out of cars, etc.

If from time to time they helped some miscreant see the error of his ways, well, that was a bonus feature.

Toyman · Sep 19, 2020

I traded for a S&W 66-1 recently. The smooth factory target grips had a metal plated screwed onto the butt. The plate is 1/4 inch thick and must weigh 8 ounces. The plate was held on by 4 wood screws.

VM · Sep 19, 2020

Head knocker!
Easy to make and install yourself. Every one is unique as every set of target grips are different.

medic15al · Sep 19, 2020

They were called "door knockers" down heah in Alabama By the Troopers.

Were popular in the 70s and early to mid 80s.

S&W Model 19s and Pythons were poudly displayed by the cops.

Most had a miniature badge or engraved patch and officer's name on them. Brass was polished daily, ya know....

SFIDEC · Sep 19, 2020

Here is picture of after-market nickel 28-2 I recently posted on forum. I called it a Butt Plate. One comment called it a "Butt Cap" and the other " Skull Knocker".
Good luck on your project.
Ray

Abbynormal · Sep 19, 2020

In the 70's and 80's, some Indianapolis PD and Marion County Sheriff deputies used to have hat badges attached to brass or polished stainless plates mounted on the bottom of the grips.

dsf · Sep 21, 2020

Thanks all. I think I'll do the work myself - got to leave a window for the serial number, yes?

Anyway, the reason for this is a 3" Model 24 round butt. I want to use square butt service stocks on it with a BK Grips "T Grip". The issue becomes not only filling the grip on the rear of the grip, but on the butt of the grip too. And the front right about where your pinky finger would sit. All pretty easy to go and look clean & neat. But that butt can be a bit of a challenge and my thought was to cover it with a metal plate. I have some 1/16" brass and brushed aluminum that should work fine.

In case anyone's worried - the original combat grips stay as is.

pawncop · Sep 21, 2020

Houston P. D. had a custom plate as I recall.

charlie sherrill · Sep 21, 2020

We had a local jeweler that made these out of polished stainless. They would engrave whatever you wanted on there. They have been out of business for many years. Cost started at $20.00 and went up depending on how complicated the engraving was.

Hondo44 · Sep 22, 2020

Yes a butt plate. The I frame .38 S&W Regulation Police Model sq butt was provided with a factory butt plate reportedly for added weight on the 1938 Post Office contract for 500 guns with 2" barrel. That's the only factory supplied butt plate I'm aware of.

No, you would not have to make a window for the serial # to be visible. All factory target grips similarly cover the butt # and on your Mod 24 and HEs made after about 1958, it's visible in the yoke cut of the frame anyway.

krsmith58 · Sep 23, 2020

butt plate

i have only seen pics of the plates but i like it. i wonder, would copper be too soft. i think it would be easier to work with. if anyone finds a pre manufactured one that just needs a little individual fitting please share with us. i'm thinking, initials/model #s or anything that suits a mans fancy engraved on it would be way cool for a set of beaters on an every day carry piece. now you've done it. it becomes a must have now. thanks, kenny

lppd4 · Sep 23, 2020

My father in law had one made for his duty gun. He was an officer from the late 60's to the late 90's. During his tenure they were quite popular. A jeweler in Houston named Nelson Silva, if I recall correctly, made a bunch of butt plates and other LE custom made items. By the time I started in 1982 Butt plates were pretty much a thing of the past at my agency. Most of our officers carried a revolver with pachymar grips back then. I will snap a pic of his butt plate when I get by the house later. I believe it was made of sterling silver and 10ct gold and put on the gun for ornamental purposes

bananaman · Sep 24, 2020

I have 1 myself for Herrett Target Stocks. It is shiny! Bob

Grip Base Plate

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