Model 64 and 65 Front and Back Grip Straps

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Whit

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I have a Model 64-5 4" barrel and a Model 65-5 3" barrel, both of which have serrated front and rear grip straps. Usually those two models in any dash number have smooth straps. I'm quite sure I don't have the only two in existence but I am curious if others have either of those models with serrated straps. Could it be that the factory had some frames intended for adjustable sight revolvers that wound up being used for fixed sighted guns? Nah, probably not since the fixed "trench" rear sights are correct.

So if you have something similar and/or know why the factory put out revolvers with serrations that don't usually have them, I'd love to know. Inquiring minds want to know…heard that somewhere. Thanks and blessings.
 
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FWIW my 3" 65-5 is serrated, my 65-5LS is not.
 

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From the mid-'80s to '90s RB fixed sight K frames were sometimes made with "serrated tangs". Their origin is mysterious; possibly they were from an overrun of frames made for adjustable sight revolvers that usually have this feature.
 
Murphydog, if it is correct that the grooved frame fixed sighted revolvers were made from frames originally intended for adjustable sighted guns, does that mean that the top straps of the frame are machined for the fixed or adjustable sight as a separate process? I would have thought the frame would be made specific to the type sight to be used. However that does make sense as the reason for a Model 64 o4 65 having grooved grip straps. As I have read about S&W revolver features on this forum, never say never…at some point the factory did what you least expect.
 
Whit said:
Murphydog, if it is correct that the grooved frame fixed sighted revolvers were made from frames originally intended for adjustable sighted guns, does that mean that the top straps of the frame are machined for the fixed or adjustable sight as a separate process? I would have thought the frame would be made specific to the type sight to be used. However that does make sense as the reason for a Model 64 o4 65 having grooved grip straps. As I have read about S&W revolver features on this forum, never say never…at some point the factory did what you least expect.
Click to expand...

Well, the answer is...I don't know. :)

It would take someone with knowledge of the sequence of the frame production processes from that time to be sure. My theory is S & W would not have gone through the extra work on the grip straps without a reason, and they never waste anything.
 
Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition page 267 states that the 65-5 "1995-1996 Delete square butt features / begin serrated backstrap and forestrap usually found on target models on a round butt frame for about 18 months, then discontinued". They say the same thing about the 64-5. My 64-5, 4" serial CBT0XXX has a round butt and serrated back and fore strap. The book also shows that serial number being produced in 1997. It also has MIM cylinder stop, cylinder bolt and thumbpiece. Trigger and hammer are forged.
 
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