GRIPPED by a mystery

[Old Dave]

I know that there are a multitude of models under the "K" frame hat but....having recently found a set of Magna style with the diamond pattern, I'm wondering what they are for because on every one of my "K" frames I put them on, there is viewable frame metal on the right , left & bottom. A dial caliper gives me the same measurement on the metal disk on the back of these grips as well as the same disk on the back of my grips that DO properly fit. If I use a grip screw from a set that fits my "K" frames through to the smaller grip, there is a small difference all the way around, however the disks are at identical height. On the inside of the right grip is serial # 46142. So...my question is....is there a "K" frame model (square butt) with a smaller than normal rip area?????

 

[Modified]

Just eyeballing them in that picture I would guess that they were a set of K-Frame stocks that someone modified for some reason.

 

[El Biblioitecario]

I had a similar pair of K frame grips. Given that they were five dollars from someone's gunshow junk box, I assumed there had been a mistake in their manufacture. This is pure speculation on my part.

 

[cgt4570]

Up until the 80's or so, grips were sanded to each frame before the gun was polished. They were then re-mated to that specific gun before shipment. It's common for gaps to exist when swapping older grips. The set with the diamonds was used from just after WW2 to 1968. The others are 1968 through the '80s. It looks like the washers on the back are the later bright (as opposed to the older blued ones) so they are from closer to the end of use. Also, the upper corners are broken off on the top tips of both of the older diamond grips.

 

[BC38]

Any chance they could be from a model 12? I've read that their grips are different than other K-frames, but I can't remember if they were smaller or just thinner, or what. Just a WAG...

 

[gmborkovic]

No WAG here. Early Mod 12s had a thinner frame than , lets say a Mod 10 or 19. You have grips off of an early Mod 12, as evidenced by the Diamonds. Is there a Sn. stamped in the right grip? Best

 

[DWalt]

Definitely something strange about the pair on the left, upper horns seem clipped off. I'm not sure, but I think the Model 12 grips are thicker? In any event, I don't think Model 12 and Model 10 grips are interchangeable.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

The Model 12 through 12-3 had the same outline as a Model 10. But the frame itself was thinner. So if you install a pair of Magna grips on them, the area that overlaps the sideplate and frame will have a gap under it. IIRC the 12-4 was changed to a Model 10 thickness frame and can use any grip for a Model 10.

 

[handejector]

So...my question is....is there a "K" frame model (square butt) with a smaller than normal rip area?????

No.

Just eyeballing them in that picture I would guess that they were a set of K-Frame stocks that someone modified for some reason.

I would agree. The outline is noticeably different.

The Model 12 through 12-3 had the same outline as a Model 10. But the frame itself was thinner. So if you install a pair of Magna grips on them, the area that overlaps the sideplate and frame will have a gap under it. IIRC the 12-4 was changed to a Model 10 thickness frame and can use any grip for a Model 10.

Correct.
They are not Mod 12 grips.

 

[Old Dave]

Yes. 46142 is inside the right grip.