Why do some N frames have round grip frames?

Revolver-time · Aug 17, 2013

I have quite a few N frames. But, only one has a round grip frame. What is the purpose? The model I have is a 610 and it certainly is too big to carry concealed. I like to shoot my guns not just look at them. This poor 610 never gets its time at the range. Why do most of the new ones have the round grip feature? The conversion grips look stupid.

scooter123 · Aug 17, 2013

The Round Butt Grip Frame is now the standard across all of the larger frame sizes. The advantage of doing this are it permits the customer to have more options for re-gripping their revolver. Those that like the Square Butt profile can choose a Round to Square conversion, which BTW most don't find look the least bit "stupid". Those that like a handgun that can "roll" in the hand during recoil can choose a Round Butt grip.

Now, if you hate that round butt grip frame on your 610 that much I can assure you that if you post it for sale you'll have offers for it within 5 minutes of it's posting.

Revolver-time · Aug 17, 2013

scooter123 said:
The Round Butt Grip Frame is now the standard across all of the larger frame sizes. The advantage of doing this are it permits the customer to have more options for re-gripping their revolver. Those that like the Square Butt profile can choose a Round to Square conversion, which BTW most don't find look the least bit "stupid". Those that like a handgun that can "roll" in the hand during recoil can choose a Round Butt grip.

Now, if you hate that round butt grip frame on your 610 that much I can assure you that if you post it for sale you'll have offers for it within 5 minutes of it's posting.

You may be on to something. I have a 4006, and a 1006 to shoot those rounds and I don't know if I do want to keep that 610. I don't hunt with it, or shoot it at the range. My carry stuff is all 45acp. That 10mm really doesn't have anymore beans then a proper 357. Gee am I talking myself out of it?

scooter123 · Aug 17, 2013

If it's an unfired 610 with a 6 1/2 inch barrel it's likely you can easily get 1100-1200 bucks for it. If it's a 4 inch version I'd guess it's value at the 1300-1400 dollar range. If it's the very rare 3 inch version put it up for sale on Gunbroker and watch the bidding frenzy that results, I would not be the least bit surprised to see one of the 3 inch 610's sell for as much as 2000 bucks or even more, they are exceedingly rare.

Yeah, the 610's are worth that much right now. One reason is because you can shoot either the 40 caliber or 10mm from them using the moon clips, so they are fairly economical to shoot and the 4 inch guns are in demand for IDPA and similar competitions. As for the huge estimate for the 3 inch version, only a total of 300 of those were every made.

Personally I think the prices people are paying for 610's is a bit foolish. S&W is aware of the building demand for the 610 and in another 5 years or so I expect they will start building another batch. When that happens you'll see prices for used post lock 610's take a dive back to what I consider reasonable.

ayetee · Aug 18, 2013

Some people have small hands and round butt N frames make a lot of sense. I love 44 special and had my gun smith altered my 624 to a round butt.

It is NOT a Mountain Gun. It came with a square butt from the factory.

Muley Gil · Aug 18, 2013

ayetee said:
Some people have small hands and round butt N frames make a lot of sense. I love 44 special and had my gun smith altered my 624 to a round butt.

It is NOT a Mountain Gun. It came with a square butt from the factory.

Good for you! Too many people are afraid to alter their firearms to fit THEM. Some are worried that it will lower the asking price if and when they sell 'em.

I don't buy guns to resell; I buy them to SHOOT THEM!

I've modified several revolvers to round butt and I did sell them and STILL got a fair price for them.

If the gun fits you, you will shoot it more and better.

GerSan69 · Aug 18, 2013

Muley, you're a man after my own heart!!
The only considerations I've ever had were what do I want to modify and to make sure the serial number isn't affected. Certainly not a "collector" here, just an "accumulator." Besides, with all the great collectors on this forum with some fabulous photos, I can go to the S&W Forum "Museum" any time!

ayetee · Aug 18, 2013

Muley Gil said:
Good for you! Too many people are afraid to alter their firearms to fit THEM. Some are worried that it will lower the asking price if and when they sell 'em.

I don't buy guns to resell; I buy them to SHOOT THEM!

I've modified several revolvers to round butt and I did sell them and STILL got a fair price for them.

If the gun fits you, you will shoot it more and better.

Totally agree.

flundertaker · Aug 18, 2013

Revolver-time said:
You may be on to something. I have a 4006, and a 1006 to shoot those rounds and I don't know if I do want to keep that 610. I don't hunt with it, or shoot it at the range. My carry stuff is all 45acp. That 10mm really doesn't have anymore beans then a proper 357. Gee am I talking myself out of it?

If I am not mistaken, I believe a full power 10mm load, which is rare these days (I do have several boxes of 200 and 180gr Norma 10mm that is the real deal

) since the advent of the .40 short and weak, is more on par with a .41 Magnum than a .357 Mag.

qrachel · Aug 18, 2013

Beauty - Ah, the Old Beholder Gambit!

I have a 629 5" Classic and I put the round butt Ahrends Retro Combat grips on it and find I prefer them for 44mags as well as 44spcls. I love my gun's look (beautiful maple) and do get that somebody else may not find the look attractive.

The 629 shoots sweet and with the new grips it's become one of my favorites at the range, competing for time with a great 686+ and a 617 10 shooter. The reshod 629 definitely is getting plenty of time.

Sounds like you could do well if you want to sell the 610 - not my cup of tea but I do like how it fills two needs quite nicely. For the right person, sounds like the perfect piece - with grips as pleases the owner.

Take good care,

Rachel

Revolver-time · Aug 19, 2013

flundertaker said:
If I am not mistaken, I believe a full power 10mm load, which is rare these days (I do have several boxes of 200 and 180gr Norma 10mm that is the real deal ) since the advent of the .40 short and weak, is more on par with a .41 Magnum than a .357 Mag.

I do reload for both the 4006 and the 1006. I suppose I could rev up the 10mm loads to lite 41 mag loads. I am however pretty old school and I like big slow movers. My deer revolvers are Ruger Blackhawks in 45 colt and 44mags. I have found over my hunting years that 300gr lead bullets moving at modest speeds fill my freezer. I always wanted to shoot one of the hogs we have here in Georgia with the 10mm to see what it would do.

I can't say I tend to leave the 610 sit because of the auto round in the revolver thing. I probably shoot more 45acp from my revolvers (25,1917,3 convertible Blackhawks) than in my 1911s. I just can't warm up to the rounded grip frame of the 610.

DFrame · Aug 20, 2013

S&W finally figured out that the large bulky square butt was unnecessary and if the customer wanted one it was simple to supply stocks of that shape that could fit on the same RB frame. Colt did this back in 1966 with their D frame series. personally I love the RB frame and will never own another of the large square butts, but to each his own.

Why do some N frames have round grip frames?

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