S&W Grip Adapter

StrawHat · Jan 4, 2023

I had been looking for one of these. A forum member contacted me about a replica adapter, we talked, a deal was made and now, this one is mine.

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As I understand, the originals were introduced roughly the same time as the Registered Magnum and were an option. We’re they an option on other Models also?

We’re they available separately?

Considering using these on a Model 1917 Commercial but want to make sure it is appropriate.

Thank you for any information.

Kevin

Wiregrassguy · Jan 4, 2023

Kevin, my understanding is S&W grip adapters were optional for any N or K frame revolver.

StrawHat · Jan 5, 2023

Wiregrassguy said:
Kevin, my understanding is S&W grip adapters were optional for any N or K frame revolver.

Well heck, that makes it easy! Is my time frame correct, 1935ish?

Kevin

lestert357 · Jan 5, 2023

StrawHat said:
Well heck, that makes it easy! Is my time frame correct, 1935ish?

Kevin

Kevin, according to Timothy Mullin’s book entitled “Magnum” the Wesson Grip Adapter patent was filed on October 28, 1931 and granted on March 8, 1932. The Wesson Grip Adapter was initially brought out in the N frame size for the .38/44, .44, and .45 caliber Hand Ejectors prior to the first Registered Magnums. Below are some related pictures of an original Grip Adapter brochure and a couple pages from S&W Catalogs…..

Not sure exactly what year this catalog page is from, but notice that the .357 Magnum is NOT mentioned. Also indicates that the N frame size was brought out prior to the K frame size…..

The Wesson Grip Adapter was ultimately included as standard equipment on Registered Magnums shipped with service style grips - either attached or unattached per the customer’s request on the order form…..

And after Magna stocks were brought out in the latter part of 1935 the Magnum could still be ordered with service (regular) style stocks with the Wesson Grip Adapter attached or unattached…..

StrawHat · Jan 5, 2023

Thank you both.

That brings answers to a few questions I had.

I put the adapter on the first revolver I grabbed, a Model 1917 and all was well. It felt good in my hand. Not one to leave well enough alone, I decided to swap the Service stocks for a pair of my preferred, Magna stocks. Yep, not a good idea. The Service stocks could sit a bit proud and no one would notice. Not so the Magnas! That horn hanging away from the frame was an ugly thing. If I ever find a poor example of aftermarket magnas, I may experiment with shaving the inner surface to see how that does but so far, I have resisted attacking a pair of my diamond Magnas.

Thanks again for furthering my education.

Kevin

bruce5781 · Jan 5, 2023

I have a set of magnas that someone has almost invisibly added a sliver of wood to the horns, rather than shave the body. I have to really look to see it.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

glowe · Jan 5, 2023

They are quite uncommon so have always assumed they were not offered for very long?? Anyone know when the company stopped offering them for sale?

Started in 1931/1932 and ended in when??????

lestert357 · Jan 5, 2023

glowe said:
They are quite uncommon so have always assumed they were not offered for very long?? Anyone know when the company stopped offering them for sale?

Started in 1931/1932 and ended in when??????

Gary, for N frames I would say late 1940 since that is essentially when the last of the Pre-War .357 Magnums shipped, and thus could have been ordered with service style grips with the Wesson Grip Adapter.

Toyman · Jan 5, 2023

I have a pre war S&W K frame grips adaptor with Magna grips. The Magna grips have been thinned so they fit flush with the top of the frame.

Green Frog · Jan 5, 2023

I think I remember seeing where someone was making a run of reproductions of this adaptor. Does anyone know whether they are still being made and if not, how many were made and how long ago? I'd like to try one (or three) on my early Masterpiece revolvers.

Froggie

Toyman · Jan 5, 2023

The reproduction grip adapter were only made for N frames,

Green Frog · Jan 5, 2023

I shoulda known!

StrawHat · Jan 5, 2023

Toyman said:
I have a pre war S&W K frame grips adaptor with Magna grips. The Magna grips have been thinned so they fit flush with the top of the frame.

I recall seeing that image previously. Did not pay that much attention to it then, did not have the adapter! Thank you for posting it again.

Kevin

StrawHat · Jan 5, 2023

Toyman said:
The reproduction grip adapter were only made for N frames,

Green Frog said:
I shoulda known!

Come on, Charlie,

A couple minutes with a fine toothed hand file and you have a K frame adapter!

Kevin

Wiregrassguy · Jan 5, 2023

A couple minutes with a fine toothed hand file and you have a K frame adapter!

! And destroy a $400+ grip adapter? Horrors!!

Tell me you're joking, Kevin. Huh?

StrawHat · Jan 5, 2023

Wiregrassguy said:
! And destroy a $400+ grip adapter? Horrors!!

Tell me you're joking, Kevin. Huh?

The reproduction one!

Yes, kidding.

But, Charlie asked a good question, are these replicas still being produced?

Kevin

Green Frog · Jan 6, 2023

As I look at this item, it occurs to me that a reproduction should be no challenge at all for a modern shop. The two side plates could be profiled with a water jet or plasma cutter and the hard rubber spacer could easily be made with a 3-D printer. I once had access to both technologies, but now that I’m retired, not so much. How about some of you other guys out there? Does anyone have a K frame example they could use to reverse engineer for the CAD drawings necessary? Actually, a talented CAD artist should be able to use a revolver grip frame and the pictures already available to do a pretty fair job of establishing the needed data points. How about it, some of you new young guys?

Froggie

moosedog · Jan 6, 2023

I'll take two K frames and two N frames. LOL

The hardest part would be getting the small rubber curved part correct.
I've got a couple sets and could use a few more.
The reproductions were made back in the 90's if I remember correctly.

Engine49guy · Jan 6, 2023

I recall seeing two pairs of N frame reproduction adapters for sale at the SWCA Symposium in Orlando 2011 and they were a few years old IIRC.

I have an original K frame set and a set of pre war Magnas a previous owner spent some time hand fitting.
While no factory thinner N frame Magna stock exists if you want to use a set of K frame grip adapters with factory Magna stocks u can use a set of magnas from a Model 12 up to 12-3 IIRC.
The k airweight stocks are thinner so work with the k service stock adapters.

paplinker · Jan 6, 2023

Engine49guy said:
I recall seeing two pairs of N frame reproduction adapters for sale at the SWCA Symposium in Orlando 2011 and they were a few years old IIRC.

I have an original K frame set and a set of pre war Magnas a previous owner spent some time hand fitting.
While no factory thinner N frame Magna stock exists if you want to use a set of K frame grip adapters with factory Magna stocks u can use a set of magnas from a Model 12 up to 12-3 IIRC.
The k airweight stocks are thinner so work with the k service stock adapters.

Saw a original K set in great shape with a like new set of service grips for 400 at last years SWCA symposium! If I recall they did not sell. I was very tempted. Either you need them or you don't I guess.

Two repo sets I saw in both sizes in great shape were asking for around 250-350

Join the SWCA go to the show and enjoy all the great people,guns and deals

PS I if you went last year you could have met the member that reproduced them.

S&W Grip Adapter

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