Early Post-War vs. Later K-Frame Grip Size?

[TomJohn]

I recently bought a 1947-era square-butt K-frame pre-model 10. The grips that came on the gun are not original - they are much newer. They are the correct style, and fit the frame precisely except for the width - they are up to 1/16th too wide. Here is my question: Were the grips on the early post-war grips fitted to the frame, or was the early k-frame slightly smaller in width than newer models?

 

[StrawHat]

Magna stocks were fitted to the frame. That's why they had the serial number and n the right stock.

Kevin

 

[TomJohn]

Magna stocks were fitted to the frame. That's why they had the serial number and n the right stock. Kevin

Kevin - thanks - I should have realized that.

 

[TomJohn]

Curiously, the newer right stock has a 6-digit serial number on it, so I assume it had been fitted to another gun.

 

[murphydog]

Alloy or Airweight K frames have thinner grip frames than a steel frame. I'm not sure of the fit issue from the description, so a photo of the stocks off and on the gun would help.

 

[TomJohn]

Here's a couple of pics (if this works):

 

[murphydog]

Got it. I think what you have is individual variation in panel size due to fitting - the K alloy frame stocks were thinner side to side only.

 

[TomJohn]

Alan - thanks for taking the time to respond. -Tom-

 

[SDH]

They look like N frame grips.

 

[murphydog]

Yet another possibility.

 

[TomJohn]

They look like N frame grips.

Is there a way to measure to determine if they are n-frame?

 

[handejector]

Is there a way to measure to determine if they are n-frame?

Just post a pic of the back side at the top where the circles are.

 

[TomJohn]

Just post a pic of the back side at the top where the circles are.

Here ya go:

 

[VM]

With additional picture, definitely confirms "N" frame

 

[TomJohn]

With additional picture, definitely confirms "N" frame

Thanks for the ID! Is there a link on this site or elsewhere that shows how to identify these grips? I would like to know what to look for.

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks for the ID! Is there a link on this site or elsewhere that shows how to identify these grips? I would like to know what to look for.

The extra width you've described is exactly what to look for.

Measure the ledge length on both sides of the medallion in your last photo. Then measure the same ledge length on your gun. There lies the difference and what to look for.

 

[TomJohn]

The extra width you've described is exactly what to look for. Measure the ledge length on both sides of the medallion in your last photo. Then measure the same ledge length on your gun. There lies the difference and what to look for.

What I don't understand is how VM could look at the back of the grip and tell this was an N-Frame.

 

[Muley Gil]

What I don't understand is how VM could look at the back of the grip and tell this was an N-Frame.

He has looked at many, many S&W grips. Wooden you like to have his experience? Groan

 

[TomJohn]

He has looked at many, many S&W grips. Wooden you like to have his experience? Groan

I'm working on it. I'm trying to learn what I don't know, which is a lot. I guessing that the 'buttons' on the back side of the grips are the same diameter for all or most K/L- and N-frames, so the difference is seen in the length of the ledge between the outer circumference of the button and the outside of the grip. But I can't take stock in it yet. Groan.

 

[Hondo44]

I'm working on it. I'm trying to learn what I don't know, which is a lot. I guessing that the 'buttons' on the back side of the grips are the same diameter for all or most K/L- and N-frames, so the difference is seen in the length of the ledge between the outer circumference of the button and the outside of the grip. But I can't take stock in it yet. Groan.

Well this should be an easy lesson since you've experienced it personally.

You don't have to guess about the button diameters for K&L being the same. When it's been explained how to measure the ledge difference relative to the button, you can safely presume the buttons are the same size, otherwise what sense does the explanation make?

If you still "can't can't stock in" what's been shared with you, it's time for you to do your own study and observations like most of us here.