Grip questions: Model 12 + Terrier

[WickedSharp]

The local shop has a collection on consignment. Two of the guns that I'm interested in are a S&W Model 12 and a 38 S&W Terrier (I-Frame). Both guns are nice, but neither one has the original grips!

The Model 12 has a frame that is slimmer than other K-Frames. The grips that are on the gun are nice, but they are obviously not original based on the gaps up near the horns.

I'm not sure if standard J-Frame grips will fit on the I-Frame Terrier.

Am I going to have a really hard time finding original grips for either of these guns?

Thanks

 

[WickedSharp]

The local shop has a collection on consignment. Two of the guns that I'm interested in are a S&W Model 12 and a 38 S&W Terrier (I-Frame). Both guns are nice, but neither one has the original grips!

The Model 12 has a frame that is slimmer than other K-Frames. The grips that are on the gun are nice, but they are obviously not original based on the gaps up near the horns.

I'm not sure if standard J-Frame grips will fit on the I-Frame Terrier.

Am I going to have a really hard time finding original grips for either of these guns?

Thanks

 

[handejector]

Yes and no.
Many will not know the grips they have are for the thin frame if they have not mounted them.
They were diamond PC magnas, of course.

Tell me more about the Terrier-
Vintage- Pre or Post war?
If post war, which frame- modern with large guard, or the old "Baby" I frame with a small guard?

 

[VM]

Steve - I've had quite a few model 12 grips thru my mits in the past. What is frame configuration - rd or sq butt? What dash number or serial number range?
Personally, I wouldn't pass on two nice guns because of the grips. Make sure you look the 12 over thoroughly to make sure the frame isn't cracked (especially the thin area under the forcing cone).
Good luck

 

[WickedSharp]

I'm waiting on serial numbers for both.
I am most interested in the 12.... Unless the grips are conversions, it is a Square Butt.

There is no model number on the Terrier, which makes it < 1957, right? It does not have a flat latch, it's pinned, and it has a half moon front site. Is there an easy way via photo for me to tell if it's a full J-Frame vs. the smaller I-Frame?

Thanks guys!

 

[handejector]

There is no model number on the Terrier, which makes it < 1957, right?

Correct.

It does not have a flat latch, it's pinned, and it has a half moon front site.

It is an I frame.
All Terriers were pinned. They were dropped long before the barrel pin was dropped.

Is there an easy way via photo for me to tell if it's a full J-Frame vs. the smaller I-Frame?

First of all, that is not what you really need to know. You merely needed to know if it is a long grip frame, or short. The easiest way to know that is by looking at the trigger guard size, which is why I asked.
Large trigger guard = Long grip frame.
Small trigger guard = Short grip frame.

I frames came both ways.
J frames came both ways.
In other words, frame size is not determined by grip length or trigger guard size.

Based on the half moon and thumb latch, it almost has to be a short grip frame. If a post-war gun, it most likely had round top checkered service grips with medallions- not magnas. Tough grips to find.

 

[WickedSharp]

Terrier is serial number 191XX
M-12 is serial number c947XXX

I did not bring my book in with me to work. Can someone help date these two?

 

[handejector]

Terrier is serial number 191XX

That number must have a prefix.
R?

 

[WickedSharp]

You're right. That is not the serial number. He picked that up from the crane area. The number on the butt of the frame is 580XX.

Sorry about that.

 

[handejector]

You're right. That is not the serial number. He picked that up from the crane area. The number on the butt of the frame is 580XX.

Finally!!!!!
Should be a later Post-war I frame with the large trigger guard and long grip frame??
Most likely diamond magnas with blue circles. Easy to find.

 

[VM]

I did not bring my book in with me to work. Can someone help date these two?

Steve - always happy to help but serious collectors keep a cheat sheet in their wallet

M12 - 1967
Terrier - approx 1955

 

[WickedSharp]

Originally posted by VM:

I did not bring my book in with me to work. Can someone help date these two?

Steve - always happy to help but serious collectors keep a cheat sheet in their wallet

M12 - 1967
Terrier - approx 1955

Ouch. I'll get there. Just be patient with me.