New to me Model 49

[tachi62]

I have to questions about J frame revolvers. I know that S&W revolvers come in square and round but. However, I have acquired a model 49 in nickel, and a model 40 in blue. Both guns have there factory grips, and were bought to carry. The model 40 was made in 1961 ,and has the grip safety . Can any one tell me if aftermarket grips will fit? eg Hogue or badger? or must I keep the original grips . I think they are called banana grips. I thought of getting a tyler but can not find one. I am worried about the grip safety. Also need grips for the 49 for pocket carry as one is cracked. I would like to pocket carry the 49 in a holster. I know the 49 is a older gun as nickel is no longer standard production. The Sn isAAV8709. With three letters in the sn# modern grips should fit. The reason I am asking is cause I got a new lady smith and had to knock a pin out, and knock a new pin in the frame just to install a Hogue rubber grip . Thank You all in advance for your advice and recommendations.

[Justin T]

I can’t answer for the model 40, but any grip advertised as “for J-frame” should fit your 49.

I put boot grips on mine, but tucked away the originals.

[bronco45]

Your older Model 40 will need a special grip. The key to knowing is the width of the back of the gripframe. Newer J frames are wider. If both of yours are the same grip frame width, grip fitting is equal. As in no fitment problems. Nice Js glad you got them.

[tachi62]

Thank you for your help. I will check the frame width on both guns.

[ACORN]

Just an FYI I bought a set of J frame Altamonts for my 40-? The radius at the top of the stocks is too large to fit into the cut in the frame.

[tachi62]

Thank you for the heads up about the grips on the model 40. Just got off the phone with Smith&Wesson. They checked and could not find my model 49 at all told me to get a letter. The gun is nickel with no dash with out the pinned barrel. Can any one tell me at least when they stopped pinned barrels? Thank you.

[mtidasnubby]

Originally Posted by tachi62

Thank you for the heads up about the grips on the model 40. Just got off the phone with Smith&Wesson. They checked and could not find my model 49 at all told me to get a letter. The gun is nickel with no dash with out the pinned barrel. Can any one tell me at least when they stopped pinned barrels? Thank you.

I believe 1982 was when S&W decided to stop the pinned barrels but I also think it was a year or so before they ran out of the parts on hand at the factory.