Cut frame 17-3

[Basticle]

I just picked up this 17-3 with a cut frame and custom grips. I'm curious what anyone here can tell me about them. I've been told they might be Hursts or Starks. The word "Shoe" appears to be written on the insides of the grip panels, possibly a previous owner's last name?

There are also quite a lot of markings under the grip on the frame including an "H", a "v", a Club/clover (?), an 8, an I or 1 inside a triangle and a B inside a cricle. Thanks for any help

Bonus pics with my cut frame K-38 with Fuzzy Farrants

 

[Toyman]

I vote for John Hurst grips.

 

[steelslaver]

Nice looking gun and grips.

Though the removal of a bit of the frame is a shame to collector types I believe that That area is the place S&W frames need to be smaller. Everyone's pinky is smaller than the react of their fingers. I believe round buts are best and I have real big hands.

 

[Modified]

I have to say that gun is just fantastic. Very nice set of grips.

I don't know anything about the markings however, it's a bit outside of my experience. I would imagine someone else on the forum does, but I think your gun falls into a slightly weird area in that a lot of the people into such grips hang out on the 1896-1961 forum a bit more then this one and this maybe hasn't caught the eye of anyone who can help you out on it yet.

 

[s&wchad]

Cool package!

18159 is the assembly number. You'll also find it on the yoke and probably on the inside of the sideplate. The other gripframe markings are typical inspector/assembler stamps.

I agree with Toyman; they look like Hurst stocks to me too.

 

[cpt-t]

I am a new guy here so please, bear with me. I have never heard of a Cut Frame. Was the frame on this 17-3 cut just to make it fit thoes Custom Grips. I don`t think I understand this and I need someone to explain it to me. Is this a common practice. Thanks:
ken

 

[Basticle]

I am a new guy here so please, bear with me. I have never heard of a Cut Frame. Was the frame on this 17-3 cut just to make it fit thoes Custom Grips. I don`t think I understand this and I need someone to explain it to me. Is this a common practice. Thanks:
ken

Someone with far more knowledge than I can give more detailed information but yes, certain grips specifically require cutting part of the front strap of the frame off to fit them. This generally allows the pinky finger to be further rearward which allows you to get a more comfortable, angled grip on the gun.

I find cut frame guns to be awesome because they feel great in the hand and they've already lost all collectability so they generally go for cheap. The K38 I posted above I had no idea it had a cut frame until I took it home and took off the grips. Sixgun Strumpet then found those grips for me and they fit perfectly.