Over the years, I've noticed questions about how J/I frame grip sizes compare. They are not the same size and therefore are not interchangeable. The photo shows an I frame grip sitting on a J frame grip, aligned at the screw holes. The difference in height is clear.

Except some J frames use the short grip and some I frames (improved) use the longer grip.

.32 Hand Ejector (Improved I frame)



Chiefs Special ("Baby" J frame)

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I must admit, I've learned something. Wouldn't an improved I frame have a "standard" J frame grip? I have never seen a Baby J frame Chief's Special before, but does it use a "standard" I frame grip? Those are fine looking guns. When were they manufactured? I've been reading gun magazines since the mid fifties and haven't noticed the Baby series. Colt Agents, yes, but not Smith & Wesson.

Some do. The first type Improved I frame (coil spring instead of leaf spring) still had the short grip frame and small trigger guard.

Yes.

Baby is a term collectors use, it wasn‘t a S&W term. The early Chiefs Specials (before about 1953) had the small trigger guard and short grip frame and that‘s what we call a baby Chiefs Special. I believe there are three types - Half round front sight, plain ramp and serrated ramp.

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"I also cook."