? about X and N frame grip interchangeability

[Qmark]

Will N-frame grips fit the new 460/50 cal X-frame S&W's? I don't know why, it is just a pet peeve of mine. I just don't like rubber grips on a beautiful S&W revolver. I know all the reasons rubber grips are better especially at absorbing recoil but very simply and bluntly they are ugly.

 

[TDC]

If they are round butt K, L, and N frame wood stocks they should interchange. My experience is to put X frame rubber grips on N and L frame round butt guns but it seems logical the wood grips should work also.

I've included a picture of an X frame next to an N frame. The dimensions of the grip frames are almost identical...

If anyone has found this not workable, except for the possibility of less recoil absorption, I'd sure like to know why, too...

 

[whopist]

My Model 21-4 N size grip frame is about 1/8” more rearward in the upper backstrap than K, L and X frames I have seen.

The small red circles show this to be true in this picture.

This is what K frame grips look like on my 21-4.

In your case (N grips on an X frame) there will be extra wood in this area.

Some grips hide this difference, some don’t.

 

[Timbo22]

Qmark, I think that X and K/L round but grips interchange. N frame grips would be slightly too large.
Rubber ain't pretty but it does absorb recoil. So if you put wood grips on your 460/500 be prepared extra felt recoil. A good design will help with that however.
I went the other way and put X frame rubber grips with the sorbathane insert on to my round butt N frame magnums. They do bulge a bit at the top, but otherwise fit. They also come in red, yellow, or black at the S&W website.

 

[macbullet]

The X Frame grips fit my Mountain Revolver perfectly, but N frame wood grips do not fit the X frame.

 

[TDC]

Good information to know, guys!!.... Several people I know have talked about doing a swap to wood but no one had tried it..

An issue that may be worth consideration -- If the wood grips could be made to fit(??), It's possible the wood could crack under the heavier recoil of the 500 if the fit isn't perfect...

 

[pageophile]

Try out a set of Nill Grips, another member posted some pics of them on his 460 (I think it was).

Very, very well done.

 

[310Pilot]

The X frame uses the K/L round butt grip frame (exactly the same dimensions and profile), whereas the round butt N grip frame is slightly larger in several areas, so wood grips for an N frame do not, generally, fit the X frame. Wood grips for a round butt K/L frame, on the other hand, do fit properly. If you want to install wood grips on the X frame S&W, I recommend using a round-to-square conversion grip for a round butt K/L frame (the relatively small round butt profile of the K round frame simply looks absurd on the much larger X frame, IMHO). If you shoot with the wood grips installed, you will need the larger (square butt configuration) grips to control the gun, anyway. I have two S&W 500s, as well as many K and N frame guns, and I generally detest rubber grips - everything I have has wood, from K-22s to Model 29s, no problem with even hot loaded .44 mags. The exceptions are my two 500s - they wear the factory Hogue "absorbathane" rubber grips, which are of great assistance in shooting them comfortably. If you do change to wood grips, I recommend you retain the factory absorbathane grips for your X frame, as you may decide to install them for shooting, and the wood for admiring.

 

[TDC]

OK.... Now I'm confused too....

The suggestion that only K and L rubber frame grips interchange isn't consistent with my experience.

I can understand how wood grips won't interchange but certainly not X frame factory Hogue's to N frame RB guns. I have X frame factory grips on 5 of my N frame guns and they fit perfectly.

Pictures below of one....

 

[Qmark]

I recommend you retain the factory absorbathane grips for your X frame, as you may decide to install them for shooting, and the wood for admiring.

That is exactly what I have in mind. Chances are good 90% of my shooting will be with my mild 45 Colt loads so the wood grips will get some use at the range. If I get the 460 I'll definitely have to launch a few along with 454 Casual so I'll drag the rubbers to the range. Almost all my handgun shooting is at paper targets with mild loads. Never had a paper target return fire or complain about the low velocity. I have a mild load of 4-5grs of Bullseye I use with 45 Colt with bullets weighing between 200-250 in my 25-5, Ruger Blackhawk and Rossi lever rifle.

I've got some real beautiful wood grips from Grand Blue Grips in Thailand. They are slow arriving, sometimes difficult to communicate with but I haven't been disappointed yet. I know it is my ego but for admiring it or showing it off beautiful wood grips are almost mandatory in my mind.

THX!! gentleman for the responses and I really appreciate the pictures. I'm still a bit undecided but if I do go forward and purchase an X-frame it wont take me long to brag and show it off on the board.

 

[whopist]

Qmark, You ask if N frame grips fit an X Frame and you received excellent responses.

The simple solution is put all the K or L frame wood grips on your X frame you wont then POST PICTURES.

 

[Qmark]

Qmark, You ask if N frame grips fit an X Frame and you received excellent responses.

The simple solution is put all the K or L frame wood grips on your X frame you wont then POST PICTURES.

Don't have the X-frame yet. I have possible trade for a 50 but I really want a 460. I'll either have the barely used 50 late next week or a new 460 on lay away sometime in September. If business was better I'd love to have both.

I prefer the 460 because I can also shoot 45 Colt or 454 Casull. I'm an avid 45 fan and have numerous 45 caliber molds that drop bullets weighing anywhere from apx 160-310 gr The only lightweight alternative to 50 is to put light loads the pricey 50 cal brass. I'd also have to invest in the limited selection of 50 cal molds or pay way to much for store-bought bullets. If my 50 cal deal flies possibly I'll get a 460 some time next year.

 

[Qmark]

THANKS!! FOR THE RESPONSES AND PICTURES

Well the deal for the 50 caliber didn't work out. Somebody made a better offer and in all honesty I can't blame him for taking it over my offer. I did however put a 460 on a 4 month lay-away. I need a 460 or even another Smith and Wesson like I need another X-wife.

The seller using high pressure sales tactics forced me to put a deposit on it. First he twisted my arm behind my back then he tackled me, held me down and tickled my feet till I pee'd my pants. Finally when he said "I double dare you" I could no longer resist. Being dared is bad enough but when he double dared me, how could I possibly say no. Now I have to come up with a game plan to sneak it in without getting "oh no not another one" then hear the list of things the money could have been better spent on. For some reason i don't think she will believe that I was forced against my own will!!

Kidding and BSing aside I've wanted one since first I held one at the NRA convention in Phx a couple years ago. According to the S&W rep the 460 and 50 cal as well will not have the same problem with gas cutting that led to the demise of the 357 max. I'd like to eventually get a companion rifle along the lines of an H&R single shot.