Can anyone tell me what the thread size and length is for S&W grip screws? I know the length will vary, but I would like to know the thread measuement.

My experience is that there are many different diameters and proprietary threads on each one of them. Varying from the "I" to the "J" to the "K" & "L" and so on. In the latter produced revolvers the stock screws have become closer to the same size diameter but I'm not able to furnish the actual sizes, sorry to not have been much help but an expert will likely come along and have some good information for you soon!

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

My question was pretty broad. I should have asked more specifically about later J,K,N and L frames. I was just wondering if they might have been standardized.

Are you looking for a stock screw? If so, check on Don Chicoine's website. He has categorized S&W parts by model and has most of them. That way, you won't have to worry about thread size, as most are reasonably priced.

If you are asking a general question, as said above, there are too many to give you an answer to your question without model information.

Gary

Stock screws for S&W revolvers, all frame sizes contrary to the assertion of smitholdtimer, are 5-44. This is not a standard thread you will find at the hardware store.

Sideplate screws are the same size as stock screws, also in all frame sizes.

The idea they vary from time to time, and between frame sizes is a myth bases on nothing more than "It sounds logical to me." so it must be so. It isn't.

...except the J frame that is a 4-44, in the era of this topic.
As is the Model of 1953 Kit Gun and the 1965 M-49 on my workbench as I write.

You are correct, almost. For some reason J-Frames can have either a #4 or #5 stock screw. I just measured several of mine and found both. When I was checking several months ago I only checked one of mine, and it was one that was a 5.

For those with a lathe and the skills , MSC has #5-44 threading dies.

Round Dies - Dies, Chasers, & Thread Rolls | MSCDirect.com

Cowboy45 originally did not specify if he was talking about modern or antique Smiths. Later clarification listed only modern guns.

Model 1 had a smaller screw, Model 1 1/2's also had something like 4 size. Model 3's had a large head screw. Some early Handejectors had brass screws. .38 SAs and DAs had smaller screws.

I would agree that most modern guns all have 5-40s, but antiques and early handejectors are some exceptions.

Wait is that 5-44(alk8944) or 5-40(glowe) ?? they are both valid thread sizes

5-44......

Roy Jinks wrote: On March 4, 1942 an engineering change order was issued for stocks screws; the existing smaller non standard diam. of .122 x 44 change to a standard #5 N.F. (.125 x 44). This change had the usual transition period where both may be found lasting thru the end of the war for an unknown period of time.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

cowboy45, I appologize for the misinformation, the few grips I have do not all have the same size threads and thus the reason for my answer. Good Luck in your quest for information.

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

Another source for odd taps and dies

High Speed Round Adjustable Dies - special thread up to 1/2".