Flush Grips for Rebated I-Frame - Also a question about barrel threads

[Haybinger]

Hi all,

I am starting a project on an old S&W Regulation Police that was treated pretty poorly in it's life and I am trying to get some things figured out.

I would like some grips that are flush to the bottom of the frame as can be found on older .32 H-E's and modern J-frames, however I can't seem to find any that claim to work with the older rebated frames.

Did S&W ever produce any of these? Aftermarket options? Or am I going to have to make my own?

As to the barrel, I would like to change it out with a shorter 2" or possibly 3" barrel, will I need to get one off of another I-frame or would a J-frame barrel suffice? I don't have any issues with using an I-frame barrel, it'll just probably take a bit longer to find around here.

 

[Truckman]

My RP project (still in progress) included cutting the barrel to 2.25"...I made the decision to leave the front sight off making it a belly gun...I've been looking unsuccessfully for real MOP grips...The only alternative I've found is do-it-yourself grips from Tombstone Grips......Ben

 

[raljr1]

A j frame barrel will fit. There might be some mismatch of the profiles between the barrel and the frame.

As for grips, i think you will have to modify a correct set to get what you want. I have not seen any like you are looking for

I did a 32 HE with a model 30 barrel. You can see the mismatch at the frame in the photos.

Converting 32 HE to a snub


Robert

 

[Hondo44]

I would like some grips that are flush to the bottom of the frame as can be found on older .32 H-E's and modern J-frames, however I can't seem to find any that claim to work with the older rebated frames.

Did S&W ever produce any of these? Aftermarket options? Or am I going to have to make my own?

As to the barrel, I would like to change it out with a shorter 2" or possibly 3" barrel, will I need to get one off of another I-frame or would a J-frame barrel suffice? I don't have any issues with using an I-frame barrel, it'll just probably take a bit longer to find around here.

No there were no factory Round butt (flush to the butt) grips made for the rebated RP grip frame. The easiest solution is start with any rd butt I or J frame service (rd top) grips, or any pre 1953 rd butt Magna I or J frame grips. You can even use post 1953 rd butt Magnas but need to shorten them 1/8" to be flush with the butt. The locating pin in the grip frame is in the same location on pre and post '53 grips. Then add a small wedge shaped piece of walnut to fill the rebate in the back strap. Glue it to the right or left side grip and give it a coat of Birchwood Casey Tru Oil.

Or trim a set of factory RP sq butt grips made for the rebated frame to rd butt.

There were and are after market square to rd butt grips like Tombstone's that would have to be rounded and shortened to be flush with the rd butt.


The 2" .32 barrel wasn't made until right after WWII. What vintage .32 RP do you have?

The barrel with 1/2 moon front sight was made until 1952. Then it was changed to have a ramp front sight with a barrel rib. So depending on the vintage of your gun, the ribbed barrel may not mate well with the front of the top strap. The I and J frame 32s all have the same barrel threads regardless of the vintage.

Hope this helps,

 

[Haybinger]

Thanks everyone for the messages so far - I think I'd come across the tombstone site before but didn't keep it in my notes.

I apologize for any confusion, I mentioned the .32 H-E in reference to the grips but my specific gun is a .38 RP, SN in the 40,1xx range.

I'd thought about cutting down the original grips but wasn't sure what they are going for these days pricewise if it'd make sense to sell them instead.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Please don't destroy original RP extended grips. They are becoming more and more scarce. If you have to destroy something, use J frame grips that are plentiful. If you don't mind enclosing the grip frame, J frame targets will work fine without modification.

 

[raljr1]

I'd thought about cutting down the original grips but wasn't sure what they are going for these days pricewise if it'd make sense to sell them instead.

I paid just under $200 for a pristine set of RP grips, if that helps you with a valuation.

I referenced my 32 HE to illustrate the potential mismatch of the newer barrels to the older frames. I was aware that you are looking to modify an RP. The frames are similar in the area where the barrel mounts.

Robert

 

[Haybinger]

Ok folks - the grips will stay safe and original In honesty it was more of a passing thought sort of consideration, was never going to be my primary choice.

I will probably go with what Hondo suggested, J-frames are just not quite as common up here so I don't have one on hand to compare grips with - will grab a set next time I see some up for sale.

That is also a good tip on the J-frame targets, thanks wiregrassguy

Yes I see what you mean with the barrel mismatch Robert, I think I actually saw a similar gun for sale a couple years ago but didn't realize that was why it looked a bit off. I had considered getting the original barrel just cut down but the premier S&W gunsmith that I would've trusted with the job in Canada unfortunately retired a few years ago. Most smiths around could at least handle a straight barrel swap though.

 

[Hondo44]

Keep in mind, I frame and J frame grips are always the same size when of the same vintage. After 1953 they are both 1/8" longer than before 1953.