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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 03-30-2017, 12:53 AM
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I just received my new M36 Classic (built Feb 2017), and will take it to the range tomorrow. I "think" I'm disappointed in the grip fitting, though. I own 5 other S&W revolvers, and each one of them have grips perfectly mounted to the frame (no gaps). My 36 is a little off. There is a 1 mm gap on each side between the top of the grip and the frame, just below the hammer (the pictures show the gap; one shows two sheets of cleaning patches inserted in the gap). Otherwise, the grip fits perfectly all the way down to the heel. The gap isn't much, but I'm afraid it will collect dirt/grime overtime. I've looked at plenty of J-frame pictures on the forum, and haven't noticed anyone complaining about their grips not fitting properly.
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Old 03-30-2017, 01:26 AM
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That isn't right, you have a legitimate complaint.
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Old 03-30-2017, 01:47 AM
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NOT RIGHT! Call S&W and tell them you want a new set of grips. If you email them a picture you might not have to send the gun in.
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Old 03-30-2017, 02:08 AM
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I believe these grips are made by Altamont and while they are pretty, I have not had good luck with fit. On 2 out of three sets I have bought, the back edges extended past the steel frame and bite on recoil. By comparison the Ahrends grips I've bought have all been a good fit (I have 7 sets).
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Old 03-30-2017, 05:29 AM
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Another case of "universal fit" being not so...universal. There is probably just enough individual variation in (gun) production tolerances so the stocks won't fit properly.

The older (pre-1980) S & W revolver stocks were individually fitted to each grip frame, so original stocks tended to fit really well. Agree a call to factory customer service, followed by e-mailed photos, are in order.
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Old 03-30-2017, 06:00 AM
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That's a large gap. But, wood is a porous material and has variability in dimension due to humidity changes. My new Marlin had "poor fitting wood" that some buyers rip about on message boards, but I waited mine out and after a few months the fitup was excellent. Not saying yours would close up sufficiently but anything made of kilned wood needs time to find it's final dimensions.
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Old 03-30-2017, 06:44 AM
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I'd call S&W, but if they wanted the gun sent in I wouldn't bother. For me those grips would be off pretty quick anyway.
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Old 03-30-2017, 07:35 AM
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If S&W didn't sent you new stocks and you want to use those it should be an easy fix. Place some 40 to 80 grit sand paper on something real flat and hold even pressure on the stock panel and slide it back and forth on paper. Keep turning the panel so you don't move it the same way, this will help keep it flat. Try it after a few strokes each way. Once its closer go to like 220 sand paper for a little bit. Only trouble might be if the emblems have metal backing washers that are flush with current wood.
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Old 03-30-2017, 07:40 AM
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Call S&W. They will take care of it. Don't re-fit them yourself on a new gun.
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Old 03-30-2017, 08:27 AM
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That's pretty much how I've seen all new ones: the ones I own, and the in shops. Old inhouse made S&W grips fit like a glove. The issue seems to be the Altamont grips, not the frame dimensions.
Last edited by SLT223; 03-30-2017 at 08:36 AM.
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Old 03-30-2017, 08:37 AM
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Dang, I just ordered some Super Rosewood boot-grips from Altamont for my 686, if they fit like that I will be bummed.
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Old 03-30-2017, 10:29 AM
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I agree with Steelslayer completely . Just fix it yourself and move on . It's really not a big deal , whether you fix it or just leave it . I can guarantee it won't effect the function nor the accuracy .
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Old 03-30-2017, 12:31 PM
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I have 20+ S&W revolvers. Almost all either came with or I have ordered Altamont grips for. I have never had anything less than a perfect fit with any of them. If the grips you received with your 36 don't fit, I would say that is unusual, not the norm with Altamont grips. At least based on my experience. Call S&W, I am sure they will make it right for you.
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Old 03-30-2017, 04:26 PM
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Cal S&W! If you don't tell them, they won't have a chance to make things right for you.
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Old 03-30-2017, 04:32 PM
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Nice groups

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Old 03-31-2017, 12:40 AM
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Arrow Going Back for New Grips
I spoke with customer service today and we both decided it would be best to return my 36 for new grips. CS offered to send new grips to me in the mail, but I didn't want to take the chance that the new grips might not fit properly and I would be in the same situation again. Inconvenient for me somewhat, but I still have other handguns I can shoot in the meantime. And BTW, my model 36 Classic performed perfectly at the range today--a box of 50 for the initial break-in.

Thanks for all of the input.
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Old 03-31-2017, 07:33 AM
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Wood being what it is a previously live plant material even if laminated has a tendency to vary in its dimensions due to humidity, temperature etc. When grips are made and at what stage the wood is in at that time can cause variations in final dimensions. Don't take that to mean you should not want a better fit but wood is wood and it never really stops changing even if only a little. I seriously doubt the steel in the frame is the variable here.
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Old 03-31-2017, 08:56 AM
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Unacceptable. As others have said, give S&W a call.
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