Hello all,
I have what is a basic question probably, but will J frame grips fit an Improved I-frame RB grip? Looking at a shooter grade 22/32 with original RB grips. Would not feel guilty actually using it, but would prefer a little "beefier" grips and put originals away.
Comments/suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim

J frame grips are too long for the improved I frame

It depends on the age of the Improved I-Frame. Late ones yes, earlier ones no. The J stocks are ca. 1/8" longer, but the stock pin is in the same location. Js can be trimmed to fit an I or Improved I-Frame gun.

__________________
Gunsmithing since 1961

Hi Jim,

What you're referring to as an "improved" I frame 22/32 is actually a Model of 1953 "NEW" I frame 22/32.; explained below. A common mis-understanding.

But to answer your question; as was posted above, J grips are longer than the 'Improved' I frame by 1/8" but the locating pin is in the same location. However if the J grips are the factory targets or after market that wrap under the butt, no problem putting them on I or Improved I frames.

However, that's all irrelevant to your situation.

There were no 'improved' I frame 22/32s ever made. Therefore you have to be talking about the Model of 1953 "NEW" I frame; these use the same J frame size grips. J grips do not need trimming to fit a NEW I frame.

Here are a pair of Kit Guns both Model of 1953 "NEW" I frames, top is a three-screw and the lower is the earlier four-screw--they are otherwise identical except for barrel length. There was also a choice of round or square grip frames.


.38 Chiefs Special J frame. Notice it has the same size grip frame and trigger guard as the 'NEW" I frame 22/32s above:



Differences between the 'Improved' I frame (5 screws) and the Model of 1953 'New' I frame (4 or 3 screws).

“.32 Hand Ejector” 'Improved' I frame. Has the new coil main spring, small trigger guard and shorter grip frame. Round front sight although later versions just prior to 1953 have barrel rib and ramped front sight like the Model of 1953 (2nd photo):



“.32 Hand Ejector Model of 1953” 'New' I frame, Pre Model 30. This uses a new frame forging with the noticeably larger trigger guard and 1/8" longer grip frame:

Photo by George in SD

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Hello Jim, Could you expand a little on the new verses improved I frame. Model 35s are one of my favorites and when reading about them the SCSW book refers to them and the pre 35 as 22/32 target built on the improved I frame. Is this something that may be reworded on the next edition? Is there any mention of new i frame i could read on somewhere.

Yes lots of rewording and detail needs to be added to the SCSW.

It's use of the term "Improved I" frame with respect to the .22/32s is inconsistent with the term as applied to the other two I frames, the .32 and .38 S&W. It refers to .22/32s as both Improved I frame and Model of 1953, it can't be both. Only Model of 1953 .22/32s exist and that part is correct in the book.

Yet it refers to the other two calibers as all Improved I frames when there are actually both Improved and Model of 1953 versions. And there are early (with round sight) and late (with ribbed barrel and ramp front sight) Improved versions in the .32 and .38 S&W calibers.

Also, it's "pre model" terminology as used for the I frames is in complete conflict with it's definition of the term as used for K and N frames.
Although it's one of the best reference works for S&Ws, it's seriously lacking in the post war I frames. It seems for years these were ignored by collectors in favor of the larger frames. Consequently it causes complete confusion.

I basically had to collect and study all of the I frame variations between the end of WW II and 1960/61 (when they all became J frames). There's about 17 variations just in the .32 caliber w/o counting nickel models.

SCSW is closer to being correct about both the .22/32 Kit Guns and Targets. But the .32 and .38/32 I frame models are lumped together into a "Post war Model" with little or no differentiation between all the evolutionary changes of the several versions.

There is nothing published in print to date that matches all of the details of the actual guns that exist including any of Jinks' works, except my commentary that Lee Jarrett posted here for me:

THE POST WAR I FRAMES EVOLUTION THE POST WAR I FRAMES EVOLUTION - Smith & Wesson Forum

I hope it's helpful,

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Easy solution to the problem... grab a pair of Factory J-frame TARGET grips and install. They cover up everything and give you a little more to hold on to with that small frame gun. JMHO, but I know it has worked for me!

Froggie

Thanks to all for "furthering my education!" Especially Jim's detailed explanation and pictured examples. My example has elongated trigger guard, flat latch, Baughman-type front sight, and the upper sideplate screw (not sure how many total screws, as there is no strain screw or TG screw...I am assuming would be called "3 screw.")
Thanks again...I am a little smarter now!
Jim

Hi Jim,

With the top screw that yours has, it's a 4 screw counting the hidden screw under the right grip.

In your first 1st post you wrote: "...would prefer a little "beefier" grips and put originals away.
Comments/suggestions appreciated."

I like the factory J frame target grips:

Shown here on my 36-1 Chiefs Target:


They can also be found smooth like on Bronco's M60-4:

Photo courtesy of bronco45

These are slightly shortened on a M34-2 .22/32 Kit Gun (top) and M30-1 .32 custom target (bottom):


Then there's the pre war factory targets on a pre war Kit Gun, that only fit the I size grip frame unless relieved 1/8" inside in the butt area:

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks, Jim! I am now on the lookout on the usual auction sites for those types (love the smooth ones!) or a set of old Herrett's if need be. The original diamond stocks are quite nice, but a little small for my paws.
Jim

Jim, do they have a serial number inside the right stock panel?

__________________
James Redfield
LM #497

Yes they do, penciled. And the grip frame is not rebated for sq butt RP extension stocks.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819