M&P 38 Special - OEM grips too big! - How to ID replacements?

[Duderino]

** See Edits note below ** Hi. I inherited, with only target grips, my father's 1957 S&W (pre-10) M&P "Blue" 38 Special 4"bbl revolver (Serial C-3710xx). Seeking original/stock grips, I bought a pair of new-looking "OEM" grips on eBay but they are a bit too big for the piece. I've thought that grips had standard sizing, but I suppose I'm mistaken(?).

On a previous post (Manufactured 1955 or 1956? (38 Special M&P bought 1959)), helpful forum users explained to me what I need to get if I want original stock grips.

"S&W K-frame, Square butt, Diamond, [edit: deleted "PC" descriptor. Not sure if PC or standard], Magna stock, walnut grips"

How can I improve/narrow my search for OEM grips? Most grips for sale rarely mention "Magna" and never mention "Plain Clothes."

I'm sharing pics of the revolver with and without grips, and pics of the grips. I was amazed to find these practically new grips and disappointed that they didn't fit.

Thanks for your guidance!

**** EDIT: Seller ID'd these as K frame grips but, I learned here, these are actually N frame grips. ****

 

[JP@AK]

They don't fit because they are early postwar N frame Magna stocks. As you noted, your M&P is a K frame.

 

[Duderino]

Thanks for the quick reply. .... Did you determine that mine are N frame by the photo of the grips on the gun (obviously oversized), or is there some way to distinguish N frames from K/L frames when photographed alone? These were advertised as K frames and they looked right. For my renewed search, how can I tell K from N in photographs? Also, how can I decipher the numbers stamped inside of a grip? ... I appreciate your help.

EDIT: PS, how can I tell a grip is Magna and/or Plain Clothes?

 

[ezb57]

It can be hard to tell from a photo, you need careful measurements.
PC square butt grips have a rounded bottom edge as in the image below (not my picture)
The ones you picked up look very nice and may be worth more than K size grips.

 

[Duderino]

Not a PC?! Thanks!

What more can you tell me to help improve my search? Where can I find exact specs? Is the escutcheon Diamond absolutely necessary and/or correct? Are all S&W 38 Special stock screws the same?

Good to know about the higher value of this pair of N-frame grips!

Thank you very much.

EDIT: Just saw your photo. Very helpful!

EDIT #2: Found this grips guide!
(Smith & Wesson N Frame Stocks / Grips - A Reference Guide)

 

[BC38]

Hi. I inherited, with only target grips, my father's 1957 S&W (pre-10) M&P "Blue" 38 Special 4"bbl revolver (Serial C-3710xx). Seeking original/stock grips, I bought a pair of new-looking "OEM" grips on eBay but they are a bit too big for the piece. I've thought that grips had standard sizing, but I suppose I'm mistaken(?).

On a previous post (Manufactured 1955 or 1956? (38 Special M&P bought 1959)), helpful forum users explained to me what I need to get if I want original stock grips.

"S&W K-frame, Square butt, Diamond, PC (plain clothes), Magna stock, walnut grips"

How can I improve/narrow my search for OEM grips? Most grips for sale rarely mention "Magna" and never mention "Plain Clothes."

I'm sharing pics of the revolver with and without grips, and pics of the grips. I was amazed to find these practically new grips and disappointed that they didn't fit.

Thanks for your guidance!

I've been looking for a set of N-frame magnas of that vintage.
I think I have a set of K-frame grips I'd be willing to trade you for those.
If you're interested, send me a PM and I'll dig them out.

 

[Duderino]

I've been looking for a set of N-frame magnas of that vintage.
I think I have a set of K-frame grips I'd be willing to trade you for those.
If you're interested, send me a PM and I'll dig them out.

Yes, I'd be interested. For now, I won't return or sell them. Dig our yours and, if they're in great shape, I'd be happy to trade. Thanks.

 

[JP@AK]

how can I decipher the numbers stamped inside of a grip?

It can be complicated, but in this case, the size factor, together with a number 69164 would be an N frame number on a pair of postwar sharp shoulder stocks. The actual serial number was S69164.

In theory, the number could have been C69164, if they were of the K frame size. It could not have been S69164 on K frames because all S prefix numbers on the M&P had six digits.

 

[BC38]

Yes, I'd be interested. For now, I won't return or sell them. Dig our yours and, if they're in great shape, I'd be happy to trade. Thanks.

Sounds good. I'll dig through my big box o'grips tomorrow and get back to you

 

[paplinker]

I could be wrong but
From the picture I am looking out the right side grip looks N frame and the left grip is K frame. It looks at a glance it's a mismatched pair. A few things in the picture give me that vibe.

Could you put both grip panels back to back and see if they are identical in size?

Also when looking at the backs the grip panels they will have on either side of the disc a flat shelf.
On N frames they likely will be of equal length. On a K the one side will likely be shorter than the other.

 

[glowe]

Aren't N frame Magnas worth quite a bit more than K frame Magnas? Anyway, the "ears" on an N frame are much wider than K frame.

 

[paplinker]

Aren't N frame Magnas worth quite a bit more than K frame Magnas? Anyway, the "ears" on an N frame are much wider than K frame.

If sharp shoulder, N frames are more. If not it's pretty close.
What you call ears I call them shelves,lol Great picture to explain it!

 

[Masterbuck54]

Based on the original photo I'm going with left panel K right N…but I've been wrong before.

If photo taken of both inside can clarify.

Masterbuck54

 

[VM]

Hi. I inherited, with only target grips, my father's 1957 S&W (pre-10) M&P "Blue" 38 Special 4"bbl revolver (Serial C-3710xx). Seeking original/stock grips, I bought a pair of new-looking "OEM" grips on eBay but they are a bit too big for the piece. I've thought that grips had standard sizing, but I suppose I'm mistaken(?).

On a previous post (Manufactured 1955 or 1956? (38 Special M&P bought 1959)), helpful forum users explained to me what I need to get if I want original stock grips.

"S&W K-frame, Square butt, Diamond, PC (plain clothes), Magna stock, walnut grips"

How can I improve/narrow my search for OEM grips? Most grips for sale rarely mention "Magna" and never mention "Plain Clothes."

I'm sharing pics of the revolver with and without grips, and pics of the grips. I was amazed to find these practically new grips and disappointed that they didn't fit.

Thanks for your guidance!

If the grips hang over on the bottom/butt (also) besides the upper back strap and ears, they are scarce N frame transitional stocks that fit the post war guns. Those medallions also give credibility to my thoughts.

 

[Duderino]

I could be wrong but
From the picture I am looking out the right side grip looks N frame and the left grip is K frame. It looks at a glance it's a mismatched pair. A few things in the picture give me that vibe.

Could you put both grip panels back to back and see if they are identical in size?

Also when looking at the backs the grip panels they will have on either side of the disc a flat shelf.
On N frames they likely will be of equal length. On a K the one side will likely be shorter than the other.

Hi. Yes, they are the same size. And yes, both have shelves of equal proportion. They're a rather pristine pair of N frame grips. Sorry, I don't see how I can attach an image to a reply.

 

[VM]

The OP's picture one and two show the overhang at blackstrap… I believe they are both N frame and a matching set.

 

[Duderino]

Aren't N frame Magnas worth quite a bit more than K frame Magnas? Anyway, the "ears" on an N frame are much wider than K frame.

Hi. Yes, I learned that the advertised K frame grips were actually N frame grips. The seller had bad information. No harm; no foul.