Howdy folks,
I've been using a square butt J frame for plinking .
Had it for years.
Looking to buy another and there's more of the round butts around to choose from.
Aside from the possible puns, anyone have any opinion on the usability of that round grip.
Never had one my self. All my S&W's have square or target grips...

Al W.

If you like square butt guns just throw a set of j targets on that are RB/SB

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

The round butt conceals more easily, but if I'm understanding your situation correctly, that doesn't seem to be an issue.

I don't like round butt guns and any that I have have a round to square conversion grip. I don't seem to be able to maintain a good solid grip on the gun with that curve at the bottom. This seems to be the case laterally as well as vertically.

Best wishes on finding the best solution for yourself.

Regards,
Andy

I strongly prefer square-butt J-frame revolvers, and use them with stock Magna grips and a Tyler. For me, but perhaps not for all others, they conceal just as well as RB J-frames.

That said, there are far more grips made for RB J than for SB J, and many approximate what you would get with a SB J.

For me, the choice is clear. However, for many, particularly those in doubt, a RB J is a safer choice.

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Formerly Model520Fan

Here is a pic of the factory RB-SB Conversion target grips on my 651-1 22Mag.



Get the RB - make it anything you want it to be. That's the same reason S&W is making just about everything in RB now.

I've had both and I much prefer a J-frame round butt due to the ease of concealability.

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Come and take it!!

Thanks for the Replys.
I appreciate it .

I still have the Model 36 2” Blue Square Butt that my father purchased new in 1968. He did a lot of shopping around and looked at Detective Specials, 2” Model 10s and a 2” Model 15 as well as J frames.
He finally decided that a 2” steel J frame would be the gun and ask the local dealer to order a Model 36 and it would be a square butt after handling one.

I also have a 36 RB, a 34 RB and a Model 42. I can honestly say that I like both equally and can shoot either one equally well. I have standard magnas on both 36s and either configuration feels good in my hand.

So in my opinion if you like the SB you will also like the RB.

Most people shoot the square butt guns better than the round butt.

The round butt is easier to conceal.

I like these odd ERGO things on my scandium lightweight. It’s second paintjob.

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I put these aftermarket SB stocks on my 36 RB. Way more comfortable shooting for me.

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J RB Targets make those little guns point more naturally for me. When I bring a J frame with magnas up to fire the barrel is pointing up about 10 degrees. With RB targets the barrel is level and on target. Try closing your eyes and bring it up to shoot. Then open your eyes and see where the gun points.

I have foun that it is possible to get good handling grips in a round butt configuration. They pretty much cover the original grip frame completely though.

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It seems that they make grips for round butt conversion to square for a reason.

For me the more purchase have on grip the better control on first & subsequent rounds...for me...

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And so it goes...

Try them both. I prefer the round butt myself. But I have a three inch Chiefs Special with a square butt that shoots great and would be one of my last guns I would ever sell. So as usual, the opinion questions go both ways! This is my wedding gun...three inch round butt in .38 Special. Because I don't have anything engraved! (yet)

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I won't try to justify or explain my preference, but my favorite I/J Frame style is round butt. Possibly because the very first S&W I owned way back in 1959 +/- was a 3" Round Butt Chief's Special. Sure wish I still had it!

As mentioned if concealment is critical ( I like pocket holsters and the slightly more pronounced square butt can put a J frame Just over the edge of being easily concealed in a pocket sometimes) round butt is better.
I like the feel of a square butt much better, and definitely shoot them better.
My current pet J is a square butt 2” 34-1, and 10 yard groups I can typically cover with a dime and hitting a 1/2 size uspsa target at 65 yards almost too easy.

On a completely subjective level I also think the square has a more refined classic look

In contrast I never shot my round butt guns including a 4” 34 nearly as well.

I am currently considering swapping from a small 380 to a J frame for pocket carry, and for that purpose would opt for a round butt.

For general range use I would still stick with a square.

Not round not square but prints wherever green dot is 10yds. 158gr LWC20230517_083241.jpg

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And so it goes...

I like both and have had both. I think aesthetically I like the look of Rd vs. Square because it makes the gun look less bulky. I find both J and K frame magna's to be not enough grip for me to hold onto by themselves so a Tyler or a different grip all together works better for me. I'm currently trying to decide on a set of grips for my newly acquired 649-2 that came with an ugly Hogue monogrip.

Want coupla old Tyler's for J's. Bid on but $$ outa sight!

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And so it goes...

I put a Tyler T on the RB and it handles better. Might pop for a conversion grip if I can find the actual S&W grip. This 4" model 34-1 is a tight little gun. Performs very well !

I've got multiple square and round butt J Frames. While I do prefer the RB for concealed carry, I do prefer shooting the SB (when firing more than a box at a time) as they give a better grip surface to hold onto.

These days with the aftermarket grips, one can have many options to re-grip a revolver with - be it a RB or SB. Both have their pluses and minuses and much is personal preference.

This is my first square butt J frame. The others have been round butts. I don't know how much I'd like a square butt in a 1-7/8" barrel, but it sure feels good in a 3" model 31-1.

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