Anyone had problems with New model 40 grip swap?

[smith41mag]

I just received a new model 40. I was going to remove the what I call plastic grips and replace them.

I found that the regular j frame grips will not fit without modification.

Any suggestions??

 

[photoman]

Craig Spegel makes grips for the "lemon squeezer" Model 40's...

Craig Spegel - Custom Pistol Grips

 

[NFrameFred]

Until right before I bought a pre-model 40 I also always assumed it was a standard J frame grip. Not so and helpful folks here pointed out the differences quickly when I offered incorrect advice to someone asking somewhat the same question.

Lee Jarrett is just trying to figger out how to charge a lot us for the edumacation we be gettin' here . . .

 

[38-44HD45]

As pointed out above, Craig Spegel is now producing grips custom made for the 40-1, as well as for earlier Model 40s, which are slightly different from the new ones. Before he started doing that, I modified an old set of standard J-frame Spegels to fit my 40-1, but Craig's look better, since they are "high horn" panels. The radius at the top of the frame cutout has to be different from the standard J, to accomodate the grip safety mechanism. Other wooden J-frame grips can also be modified to fit, fairly easily.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I would love some pics to know what on earth you guys are talking about. I just know it has the squeeze safety on the back of the grip frame.

 

[feralmerril]

This old model 40 was wearing these Eagle secret service stocks when I bought it. I was able to get the orginal high horns from him later. The secret services are good, but I have the high horns back on it as they are a little less bulky in the pocket.

 

[Al56]

The girp on the left is off a Model 36 J frame, the right is from an Pre or early Model 40. The new 40-1's are the same as on the right.

 

[Maximumbob54]

So it's just that they go up high on any Centennial frame and that's why they don't just fit any old J frame. I was starting to think there was more to it than that.

 

[photoman]

So it's just that they go up high on any Centennial frame and that's why they don't just fit any old J frame. I was starting to think there was more to it than that.

Notice the small washer...

 

[NFrameFred]

So it's just that they go up high on any Centennial frame and that's why they don't just fit any old J frame. I was starting to think there was more to it than that.

Notice the small washer...

Also the distance on the off set is a different dimension from the standard J frame.

 

[GaryNH2]

I replaced the stock ones on my 40-1 with Eagle Secret Service checkered. Fit fine and looks great! Thinking of doing the same with my 686+ now!

Gary