Grip frame nomenclature

[Ardeebee]

S&W revolvers, and other brands, have a protrusion or "hump" at the top of the backstrap. Obviously it is there to reduce the roll backwards during recoil, as opposed to the "plow handle" grip shape of the early Colt single actions. Does this "hump" have a specific name? If it is in the Standard Catalog I haven't found it yet. Thanks if you know.

 

[handejector]

Frame Knuckle

 

[Ardeebee]

Frame Knuckle

Nope. It's a "Prawl".

 

[handejector]

Why did you delete the question?

 

[Ardeebee]

Why did you delete the question?

Out of respect for other folks time; I thought it would be rude to have forum members searching for an answer I had found elsewhere.

 

[handejector]

We don't mind talking. That's what a forum is for.
It is actually a bit rude to delete the first post in a thread leaving nothing for them to see after they take the time to open it, and it just leaves litter scattered around the board.

 

[handejector]

I restored your text.
Where did you find "prawl"?

 

[Ardeebee]

Gun Terminology: Prawl | An Official Journal Of The NRA

 

[toddimusnimski]

I Googled and found this, per Wiley Clapp, American Rifleman, June 7, 2010:

"The word "prawl" means a bump, knob or projecting corner on the frame of a revolver. As best as I can determine, the term prawl originated during the 19th century. This is when repeating handguns first became common. You occasionally see the word used in describing something like a S&W Russian or Number Three New Model".

Oops, Ardeebee was quicker, plus his link has the photo

 

[Muley Gil]

I restored your text.
Where did you find "prawl"?

I was a thinkin' "Prawl" was sumting ya find at the seafood buffet at Shoney's.

 

[handejector]

Terms vary from one company to another. Terms also vary over time.
I have never heard the term "prawl". That does not mean it is incorrect, but I have never heard it used in S&W circles. For more than 60 years, I have heard "knuckle" used, and all S&W guys have understood what it is.


The Model 3 American 44s and the 1st Model Russian 44s did not have a knuckle.

The Russians did not like that grip. Now, the Russians had given S&W the largest order they had ever had, and they were paying in GOLD. S&W really wanted to keep them happy!

Roy explains it like this on Page 73 of History Of Smith & Wesson - - -

So, the 2nd Model Russian looks like this:

Feel free to tell Roy he is wrong, but PLEASE give me 10 minutes to draw a crowd before you start!

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[Walstib]

Feel free to tell Roy he is wrong, but PLEASE give me 10 minutes to draw a crowd before you start![/SIZE]
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Maybe my Python has a 'Prawl', but all my Smith's definitely have knuckles. I'm only 72, so I can't claim 60 years in this debate, but I definitely want to be a member of that crowd when you collect it.

 

[Hair Trigger]

So, I guess if the gun has a yoke, it'll have a knuckle, but if it has a crane, it will have a prawl.

 

[digi-shots]

I thought prawl had something to do with ratchets or mechanical gears.

 

[Doc44]

The term, knuckle, is associated with S&W revolvers.

Bill

 

[delcrossv]

I thought prawl had something to do with ratchets or mechanical gears.

No, That a PAWL.

 

[handejector]

No, That a PAWL.

Those arrows are backwards. That gear will only turn in the direction of the red arrow. I think red is supposed to represent "Stop" or No-Go.

 

[delcrossv]

Those arrows are backwards. That gear will only turn in the direction of the red arrow. I think red is supposed to represent "Stop" or No-Go.

Correct.
The picture was from a Taiwanese company, so who can tell what their conventions are.

 

[walter o]

I love it when new people ague with god or the big APE . This is not a religious post

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Aaamen! Aaamen'! A A men, amen, amen.