are these fuzzy farrant grips.

[Schofieldkid81]

I believe these are fuzzy farrant grips. Pics aren't great. But he was the only one to cut the revolver grip frame, right? I was shopping on the net earlier and thought I would come here to get an opinion from the experts.

 

[JayCeeNC]

They appear to be the Farrant style, but with the position of the grip screw hole they definitely are not for a S&W.

 

[Frank237]

I agree...appear to be Farants, but for WHAT?

Certainly not an S&W.

The "D" on the grip may mean a Colt D frame?

 

[captainjohnsofd]

yes- Farrants

 

[-db-]

They certainly look like Farrant stocks and the location of the screw, while not what we're used to seeing, doesn't necessarily preclude fitting a S&W. There is plenty of room there between the backstrap and mainspring:

Here is a thread with lots of photos of Farrant's stocks: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/130109-custom-handgun-stocks-part-1-a.html

This set, for example, has a non-traditional rear-located screw:

My guess is they are indeed Farrants for a S&W. I can't see the photo well enough to hazard a guess as to whether they're for a K or N.

 

[JayCeeNC]

-db-, I stand corrected. My brain wasn't considering that the screw could be farther back on the grip and still work.
Thanks for the excellent pics and explanation.

 

[Joe Kent]

-db- great picture of SG688's Hardcastle gunsmithed Model 25, and yes it does fit the hand well with the Farrants' installed. All my best, Joe.

 

[-db-]

So, was it anyone here who won the grips? Schofieldkid? Someone sniped me at the last moment.

 

[SG-688]

Not me.

I was the high bider when Schofieldkid posted his question.

I don't suppose it would have helped if I had called "dibs".....

 

[deanodog]

Nice grips. I traded for a K frame 38 that I removed the grips to check for rust and found the frame had been cut for Farrant grips. The grips had been changed before I got it. The lesson I learned from this is to remove grips before the trade. I got a surprise when I first saw the frame.

 

[vilhelm]

on the inside of the grips, where the "D" is located, they look to be sculpted for the exact shape of a S&W. Just guessing but I would try them on a K frame.

 

[PMRet]

I believe these are fuzzy farrant grips. Pics aren't great. But he was the only one to cut the revolver grip frame, right? I was shopping on the net earlier and thought I would come here to get an opinion from the experts.

These do appear to be the Farrant grips which required the grip frame to be cut. I believe he also made other designs, including some very similar to these, which did not require the gun to be altered.

Are you thinking about making some Farrant clones?

 

[SG-688]

...But he was the only one to cut the revolver grip frame, right? ......

BTW the answer to this question is that Walter Stark seems to have the credit for first making stocks for a cut frame in roughly 1948. Citations for that come from Jeff Cooper in his 1961 book and Walter Rickel in the 1970 Guns & Ammo Annual.

Then Farrant, Joe Blackford, John Hurst and Guy Hogue all made them - with their own style variations. The least is known about Blackford; the others were LAPD, of course.

Plus who knows how many other less well known makers. I know of two who each made at least one set that way.

 

[Schofieldkid81]

BTW the answer to this question is that Walter Stark seems to have the credit for first making stocks for a cut frame in roughly 1948. Citations for that come from Jeff Cooper in his 1961 book and Walter Rickel in the 1970 Guns & Ammo Annual.

Then Farrant, Joe Blackford, John Hurst and Guy Hogue all made them - with their own style variations. The least is known about Blackford; the others were LAPD, of course.

Plus who knows how many other less well known makers. I know of two who each made at least one set that way.

Thank you very much... I love to gain little nuggets of wisdom like this.!
Most of every thing I know, I learned here on the forum. Are there any books that you (or anyone)can suggest with info on grip makers like roper, sanderson., farrant Hurst, and any other I cant think of right now?

 

[Schofieldkid81]

I have thought about it. I have never handled a set though..I didn't win the set pictured.

I think some people would be interested in a copy of any collectable grips, so they could shoot and enjoy the style without putting wear and tear on their valuable grips. It is possible.

These do appear to be the Farrant grips which required the grip frame to be cut. I believe he also made other designs, including some very similar to these, which did not require the gun to be altered.

Are you thinking about making some Farrant clones?

 

[Joe Kent]

As many of you know, I've got several pair and am always on the lookout for more, but back when I bought my first and then the next few ,I bought them to fit my hand on my duty Model 19. Palm swell and checkered on both sides absolutely "locked" the gun into, and I mean into, my nervous sweaty hand when I was firing or thought I was going too have to fire 357 mags at something more serious than paper targets. Fuzzy definitely knew what he was doing. Greatest Combat stocks going in my humble opinion, and they are the ones that I have on both my K and L framed revolvers that I carry today. In as much as I do not "cut" frames any more I also use Guy Hogue's on the later Rd. butt newer models unless I can find original Farrants, just wish I could still order new ones.

 

[PMRet]

Assuming reasonable condition, what is the approximate value range of the original Farrant grips? Are certain styles more desirable and therefore more expensive than others?

 

[Joe Kent]

The value depends, like it always does, on how bad someone wants them. Over the last several years, I have paid as little as $10. and as much as $145. Checkered stocks will bring more than smooth as to be expected. Ebay always has some listed that I question if they will ever sell, but nothing surprises me anymore.

 

[blasterp7]

Yes thay are Farrants!