A question on grips

[KevinCH]

Hi folks!

I have a question about S&W factory grips. I have a 4" M57-1 which I purchased used, & I have a 4" M686 on the way from a GA purchase. Both of these guns are wearing rubber grips & I want to replace them with factory wood.

I keep my eye on EBay & the prices asked for used factory grips. I understand the attraction of an older set of grips in as-new condition, but some of the prices asked are startling. Looking at S&W's web site, they offer new wooden grips at what I would call "competitive" prices. My question: are these wooden grips currently produced by S&W of the same quality as the older grips?

For instance: they offer rosewood, checkered target grips with medallions to fit the N frame for $75.90; I've seen similar used grips with asking prices of hundreds of dollars. Is the attraction just that they are older, or are the of a higher quality that what is offered now? Has anyone purchased a set of these newer wooden grips from S&W?

 

[TAROMAN]

The current production S&W stocks are totally different than that which was originally on your Model 57-1.
They would look like these:

The new ones are made from a type of resin-impregnated plywood and the shape is quite different, too.
The 686 is another kettle of fish altogether. The early ones were issued with "speedloader" stocks like these:

Later, the 686s came with various rubbers.
If you can provide the dash number (686-3, for example) we can give you a better answer on that one.

 

[KevinCH]

The current production S&W stocks are totally different than that which was originally on your Model 57-1.
They would look like these:
******************************************
The new ones are made from a type of resin-impregnated plywood and the shape is quite different, too.
The 686 is another kettle of fish altogether. The early ones were issued with "speedloader" stockes like these:
******************************************
Later, the 686s came with various rubbers.
If you can provide the dash number (686-3, for example) we can give you a better answer on that one.

Thank you for the fast response TAROMAN. I appreciate your input on what stocks my M57-1 originally wore; I'll have to decide if I want to pay the ticket for those or go with something else. I know the rubber has to go.

I don't know the dash number on the 686; I do know it is pre-lock. Does that help at all? I do own a 6" 686-2 I purchased new in 1989 & it is equipped with the grips as in your picture. The 4" version is one of my bucket list guns & I would prefer it wear factory stocks too.

You stated the new S&W grips - least those for the N frame - are of resin-impregnated plywood. Does that mean that the Rosewood grip really isn't rosewood but just finished to look like it, or is some type of laminate? Does that apply to all of the wood grips? Also, is that different construction from what were originally on the M57 & the wooden stocks that the M686 line wore?

Thanks!

 

[TAROMAN]

The new grips I have seen are all laminates.
Not a wood expert, but they look to me like stained birch or similar wood. Just not right on a classic revolver, IMHO.
The 65-5 Ladysmith stocks are a good example of this "rosewood":

According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, rubber grips were introduced in 1993 with the 686-4.

 

[arjay]

The old S&W grips were made from solid wood of several species.The new grips are all laminates and don't compare in appearance IMHO.

 

[weatherby]

Proper Vintage S&W stocks are just as collectable as the guns they were once on. The vintage, rarity, wood type, wood grain,color and condition all have an affect on their worth.

The Right set can really make a nice revolver shine.

Happy hunting for the right set

 

[KevinCH]

I'm very grateful and appreciate all of the replies.

Does anyone know when S&W began utilizing the N frame grip sets where the left side grip had the big undercut, as on the 686 picture posted by TAROMAN?

I'm disappointed the current offerings from S&W are not of the same robust build quality and appearance as the stocks from years ago. I certainly know what a good set of vintage grips go for; however it's hard for me to justify spending hundreds (plural) on dollars on a set for the guns in my collection.

 

[weatherby]

That's where the hunting comes in.

 

[Watchdog]

The last pair of classic S&W stocks I bought cost me $150...and I still feel like I got a bargain.

 

[bamabiker]

Keep a watch on the forum classifieds. You should be able to find some for your guns without paying hundreds of dollars.

Here you go, not perfect but not hundreds either.
WTS: N Frame Targets

 

[TAROMAN]

The "speedloader" stocks were phased in in the early 1980s.

 

[Sebago Son]

Just keep looking... you'll find the wood you'll need. These days it's mostly in big piles and in the possession of collectors...

This is part of my retirement fund...

 

[weatherby]

The sooner you retire the better !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KevinCH]

Just keep looking... you'll find the wood you'll need. These days it's mostly in big piles and in the possession of collectors...

This is part of my retirement fund...

That....is a lot of grips!

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

The S&W target grips currrently sold Smith are one piece hardwoods........Made by Altimont.........Sadly Smith got out of the grip making business about 20 years ago.

 

[murphydog]

Pretty sure the Altamonts are all laminates - there are others that are still natural wood, like Hogue and Ahrends, but not factory correct for most guns.

 

[CWH44300]

Drew
Have I ever mentioned that you have some ..wild stuff.. in your collection, that is one awesome photo.
Stay warm buddy, just don't burn all that wood.

 

[Sebago Son]

Drew
Have I ever mentioned that you have some ..wild stuff.. in your collection, that is one awesome photo.
Stay warm buddy, just don't burn all that wood.

CWH, that's only a very, very small portion of what I have. I used to strip the stocks and parts off all the guns in the property room prior to their destruction. Also, when all the young coppers came into my shop they all had to pull the wood stocks off their new guns and put on Pachs. I of course kept the wood.

 

[jack the toad]

Hi folks!

I have a question about S&W factory grips. I have a 4" M57-1 which I purchased used, & I have a 4" M686 on the way from a GA purchase. Both of these guns are wearing rubber grips & I want to replace them with factory wood.

Looking at S&W's web site, they offer new wooden grips at what I would call "competitive" prices. My question: are these wooden grips currently produced by S&W of the same quality as the older grips?

For instance: they offer rosewood, checkered target grips with medallions to fit the N frame for $75.90; Has anyone purchased a set of these newer wooden grips from S&W?

Congrats on your purchase. Both sound like very nice revolvers.
Personally, I don't care for the new factory grips and before I'd pay $76 for them, I'd go with Ahrends or just be patient and watch for some used factory ones that are period correct.