The original grips on my baby Chief ('52 ish ramped sight) are a bit ragged and I don't want them to deteriorate more... what are my options to replace them? Can I use I frame grips? I know J frame grips don't fit.

Update: In the name of science, I bought a set of early J frame grips. From their number, they are either post '53 J or model of 1953 I, I think. Anyway, there is more difference to the baby than just the 1/8" on the bottom. The later grips are fuller at the top and along the backstrap too. Attached photo to illustrate.



Mike

I and J frame grips of the same vintage are the same:

Pre war I and post war I up to 1953 & J up to 1953 are the same.

Post 1953 I and J are the same!

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Thank you Jim. I see the error in my nomenclature. Is there a way to tell pre'53 grips from post '53 grips by looking at them? It seems like the difference is quite subtle.

Yes, they are subtle. The 1953 and newer are 1/8" longer at the butt.
However the grip frame locating stud hole on the back is in the same location, and that's where the difference is most obvious; the 1/8" extra length is easily seen between the stud hole and the bottom of the grip.

The checkering field is the same size on the early and late grips so the late grips can easily be shortened on the bottom to fit the earlier grip frames.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks again Jim. Comparing my grips to the model of 1953 kit gun currently in the classifieds shows the extension below the checkering clearly.

Mike

I updated my original post with what I learned in case it is of use.

Thx Mike,

Watch you have observed is slight manufacturing and hand polishing variances of the grip frame that evolve over time. Always best to search for replacement grips near the vintage of the gun.

Also you never know what you're getting when buying loose grips. They may have been refitted to another gun or two by the time one finds them.

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Jim
S&WCA #819