David - the medallions on your I frame Magnas appear to be plastic - these were used just a short time, approx. 1950/1.
Diamond J Frame Grips Value?
- Thread starter dsbock
- Start date
OP
dsbock
Member
Most common was nickel plated brass. They aren't that. They look like plastic, but use a magnet to determine if they are or if they are steel.
ar15ed
Member
hello dsbock,
sorry, i am a little late replying! i didn't get back on the computer last night. a "baby chief" is just an early chief's special. the first several thousand had a small triggerguard, and the same grip-frame as the i-frames and improved i-frames. your grips definitely came from a chief, as the serial number is too low to be a terrier or a 32 (the other i-frame guns). when the true i's were in that serial number range, magnas hadn't been invented. the chief is technically a j-frame, even the early ones, they just have the small grip-frame like the i and improved-i.
you probably have already figured this all out, but i will post it for posterity!
sorry, i am a little late replying! i didn't get back on the computer last night. a "baby chief" is just an early chief's special. the first several thousand had a small triggerguard, and the same grip-frame as the i-frames and improved i-frames. your grips definitely came from a chief, as the serial number is too low to be a terrier or a 32 (the other i-frame guns). when the true i's were in that serial number range, magnas hadn't been invented. the chief is technically a j-frame, even the early ones, they just have the small grip-frame like the i and improved-i.
you probably have already figured this all out, but i will post it for posterity!
OP
dsbock
Member
ar15ed,
Thanks for the information. I had researched most of what you posted, but some was new to me. I would much rather be told something twice or three times as opposed to running into problems because "I thought you knew!"
David
Thanks for the information. I had researched most of what you posted, but some was new to me. I would much rather be told something twice or three times as opposed to running into problems because "I thought you knew!"
David
OP
dsbock
Member
Another general question:
What was the time span that J Frame revolvers came from the factory with the diamond style grips?
Thanks.
David
What was the time span that J Frame revolvers came from the factory with the diamond style grips?
Thanks.
David
The J frame "size" stocks w/diamonds were introduced circa 1953 in both round and square styles. They were used on the 38 Chiefs Spl "J" frames until 1968. And on the Model of 1953 .22/32, .32, and .38/32 'I' frames until 1960 when I frames were all converted to J frames and continued untill 1968.
OP
dsbock
Member
Jim,
Thanks for the info. Does that mean that any catalog listings from 1970-72 with diamonds were re-used images from 1969 or earlier?
David
You got it. They used or just reprinted old art work. Sometimes you can see where the old art work has lines drawn thru the diamond to look like post '68 grips.
Sometimes guns shown are Model 1953 'I' frames in post 1960 literature which are easy to tell from J frames. And sometimes a 5 shot 38 S&W is used to illustrate a 6 shot .32 and visa versa. Those are easy to tell because of where the cylinder notches are located relative to the cylinder flutes.
ar15ed
Member
well, i didn't run across a set at either show. sorry! there was a really nice set like yours (what are the chances of that?!) at the show yesterday for 60.00. i can't believe i could go to two shows and not find a decent set of j-diamond-magnas! it never fails, when you really try to find something specific!
good luck in the continued hunt!
good luck in the continued hunt!
OP
dsbock
Member
tom turner
US Veteran
This is how they are supposed to look on the pre-68 era J-frames.
Mine was made in the 1964 time frame and, like all the stocks (S&W's term for their grips), the stocks are numbered to the gun.
You'll also notice mine has the "square" cylinder latch. This feature went away in '66. Looking at your serial number of your J-frame, yours should have one of the versions of the square latch too . . . and have diamond stocks.
The grip adapter on mine is a Tyler T-grip, a nice addition that was used back "in the day" that greatly improves the grip angle, accuracy when shooting double action, and comfort.
Mine was made in the 1964 time frame and, like all the stocks (S&W's term for their grips), the stocks are numbered to the gun.
You'll also notice mine has the "square" cylinder latch. This feature went away in '66. Looking at your serial number of your J-frame, yours should have one of the versions of the square latch too . . . and have diamond stocks.
The grip adapter on mine is a Tyler T-grip, a nice addition that was used back "in the day" that greatly improves the grip angle, accuracy when shooting double action, and comfort.
tom,
Beautiful piece. You can't really say his should have the flat latch like yours just because of his serial number. Parts changes were always over a transition period. The "bottom of the parts bin syndrome" you know. The gun right before his or next one after his could have been like yours.
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