J-frame grips/frames.

[Tinker Pearce]

I recently made a set of J-frame grips for someone, and fitted them to my 1950's vintage Airweight Chief's Special (Model 37.)
When she tried to fit them on her Model 442 there was about a 1mm gap where the grips met. I don't have a 442, but I measured a 640-2, and the widest part of the grip was .012 wider than my Model 37, but the thickness of the grip frame and frame were identical.

These grips were very closely fitted, and that .012" could account for the gap. But I have seen suggestions that j-frames made recently have thicker grip-frames and frames. Is this true?

If one of you has a modern Model 442 and a caliper it would be helpful if you could measure the thickness of the grip-frame and frame.

[riverrat38]

Tinker, I have a 2 YO 442-1.
Grip frame: .331
Frame: .540

Best,
Rick

[Tinker Pearce]

Originally Posted by riverrat38

Tinker, I have a 2 YO 442-1.
Grip frame: .331
Frame: .540

Best,
Rick

Thanks Rick- Yeah, the frame isn't beefier. Good to know.