I have a 32 HE made in the early 1950's, Nickle with franzite grips. Can anyone tell me what the history is with the grips? Did S&W ship them that way or did some poor fool think it was in improvement over wood? Thanks.
32 I FRAME REVOLVER ????
- Thread starter GUMPOND1
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First of all, to add to the discussion, what is the serial number. Secondly as Gary stated, it was some owners feeling that Franzite trumped the wood. One must remember that we are talking the early 50's and I'm guessing that plastic was then probably considered to be one of the wonders of the world....
Nowadays there's a plethora of aftermarket replacement grips and many of premium but affordable quality. Those not around in the 50's like some of us old farts would be aghast at the minimal aftermarket grips options of the day.
Basically you had a few very good handmade grip makers that were expensive...not in today's dollars, but at the time.
There were premium stag, ivory and mop that were only affordable to some.
And then there were the cheap plastic imitations affordable to anyone if you could stomach disgracing your S&W with them. I never could no matter if they 'felt' good or not.
Basically you had a few very good handmade grip makers that were expensive...not in today's dollars, but at the time.
There were premium stag, ivory and mop that were only affordable to some.
And then there were the cheap plastic imitations affordable to anyone if you could stomach disgracing your S&W with them. I never could no matter if they 'felt' good or not.
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