Grip Questions

[GoGators]

I have a pair of S&W Factory Combats (at least I believe they are factory combats) that fit an N Frame round-butt. They came on a used 629 that I bought about a year ago, so I'm not the original owner. They have "SECONDS" stamped on the inside, and I wanted to know what exactly this means as far as S&W grips are concerned. I'd also like to know the approximate value of these grips since I see them range in price from about $100-$400 online. Any info on these grips is greatly appreciated. Sorry about the glare in the pics, cheap camera.

 

[s&wchad]

"Factory Seconds"

Seconds were stocks that didn't meet S&W quality standards and were sold at a reduced price. A few years ago, a dealer at OGCA had a table full of them (I bought some). I've seen seconds that have obvious inletting flaws and I'd guess the issue with yours was the irregular cut at the bottom that lays against the butt (it should be flat). That doesn't look like much of a big deal to me. If they fit nicely, that's all that matters.

Nice N frame RB Combats seem to be selling between $125 and $175 on ebay, depending on figure. I don't know how being marked seconds will effect the price and I suspect some sellers remove it, but they're just destroying the history. Keep stuff original, someday seconds may bring a premium to collectors (probably not)! A photo of them on the gun might put potential buyers minds at ease.

 

[GoGators]

Thanks for the quick reply, S&WChad. Everything else I've ever seen marked "seconds" had something wrong with it, so I figured there was a flaw in these grips somewhere. At least they do fit nicely. I had avoided shooting with them before because I didn't want to scuff them up... I guess I might as well enjoy them.