K Frame Model 13 Question. I Don't Get It?

[AC Man]

Ok I bought my first hand gun in 1974 when I turned 18 (legal at the time in Florida) it was a model 13 4 inch bull barrel with these tiny children sized cap gun stocks. Later known to me as Magnas. I wanted a Smith 44 magnum or a Colt but could not afford it

I told the gun shop dealer those grips are crazy small. He said no problem and installed a set of N frame target stocks no charge! I have XXX Large hands and it was fantastic. Still have it today and those puny grips it came with. LOL

My question is do all N frame stocks fit a K frame? That seems odd to me.

 

[Hondo44]

In a word, no. If the grips fit correctly, they are not N frame targets they are K frame targets. But there's not much difference. True N frame grips, either Magnas or targets will overhang the grip frame at the top of the back strap a good 1/8".

However we often see N frame grips with the overhang trimmed down to fit K frames. When done properly and with the finish touched up, it's not noticeable. Perhaps that's what you have.

 

[hemiram]

I don't have really big hands and I always thought the Magna grips looked ridiculous on an N frame gun, or a K for that matter. I have 3 sets of them now taken off 28-2's I bought a couple of years ago, replaced with Altamonts of various woods and colors.

 

[StrawHat]

The nice thing about S&W stocks is they are easily switched out. Personally, I prefer the Magna stock (or the Service stock) with a grip adapter. That set up fits my hand well.

And I am always looking for either stock to add to my set ups.

Kevin

 

[majick47]

Been over 100 years that the K and N frame revolvers have not changed much in configuration. My guess they were designed for the average hand. Small hands might have to consider the J frame or if a Colt their D frame. For general purposes grip adapters as StrawHat illustrated will fit the hand better using the original factory grips. I'v seen grips that were designed for XL hands without the need for modification. I'm sure members can come up with a few suggestions.

 

[RetCapt]

The after market grip market has always been robust. There are only a finite number of revolver frame sizes, but an infinite range of hand sizes. The objective is get the proper fit between the revolver frame and the individual hand size and configuration.

I have large hands, but short fingers. XL gloves fit me perfectly, except I have some space at the finger tips. But my hand itself is much too large for just large gloves.

I am, and have been from the '70s, exclusively a DA shooter. Those two factors govern the length of pull that works best for me.

I found the grips that work best for me are either the long discontinued Rogers (later Safariland) or the nylon (not rubber) Hogue Monogrip. For competition/duty rounds that sometimes will be fired rapidly, and sometimes more slowly and precisely, these grips are ideal - for me.

And that is my point. As long as the grips you select work best for what you want to do, your search is over.

 

[pantannojack]

I like K frame PC Magnas with Tyler T grip. too bad they are so hard to get.

 

[Jack Flash]

This will be considered sacrilegious here, but it seems like it would not be hard to modify standard magnas to pc configuration. A set that already showed wear and tear might be the ideal candidate.

 

[Baxter6551]

I wish my first handgun was a model 13 … and that I still had it !!
I second the Tyler T with magnas.

 

[AC Man]

In a word, no. If the grips fit correctly, they are not N frame targets they are K frame targets. But there's not much difference. True N frame grips, either Magnas or targets will overhang the grip frame at the top of the back strap a good 1/8".

However we often see N frame grips with the overhang trimmed down to fit K frames. When done properly and with the finish touched up, it's not noticeable. Perhaps that's what you have.

Interesting. I have quite a few N frames with target grips. I'll have to check out if they are the same as the target grips the dealer installed on my model 13. It is a miracle I still have the original stocks close to 50 years later. They were removed the day I bought the gun and never been used since. The gun shop even put a block of wood between the grips and the original screw.

Now granted, I have started collecting older pre world war II revolvers with Magna's, like the pre model 10's and I would never consider replacing the grips. Not messing with history that old.

Even though my model 13 is 50 years old. I wasn't thinking about history when I was 18, just wanted the same grip like the 44 magnum.

FWIW actually bought the gun for wild hog control on my parents vacation property off the Suwannee river. Never shot a one.

 

[ken158]

I think you have it figured out that the LGS guy put K Targets on your gun to look and feel like N Targets.

 

[StrawHat]

This will be considered sacrilegious here, but it seems like it would not be hard to modify standard magnas to pc configuration. A set that already showed wear and tear might be the ideal candidate.

I did two pair of K Targets. Trimmed them down to fit my hand when I was shooting competition. Turned them into a nice wooden reproduction of the grip adapter and Magna!

Kevin

 

[pantannojack]

This will be considered sacrilegious here, but it seems like it would not be hard to modify standard magnas to pc configuration. A set that already showed wear and tear might be the ideal candidate.

I have seen a set of such. The lower border of checkering looked out of place, but not a big deal. I never like sharp corners on my grip surfaces. Some small bore rifle for ends and some Sako rifles did that.