Has S&W ever sold pistol frames?

[2nd amnd]

I've had a mostly complete parts set for a 3914 lying around here for a while. Every once in a while, I think it would be nice if it were a pistol and not just a pile of spare parts.

Has there ever been a source for stripped S&W frames?

Maybe it's not worth the trouble, but I've looked around occasionally, and haven't ever seen anything.

 

[505Gibbs]

The frame carries the S/N of the gun and as such could only legally be sold to an FFL holder not that I believe S&W sells just a frame to the gunsmith service world.

 

[IraIII]

Try poppert's gun parts in Glenside, PA. I have purchased from them before, and I seem to remember a stripped 469 frame and slide on Gunbroker a while back that I think was from them.
Poppert's Gun Parts Main Menu

 

[2nd amnd]

Thanks for the info, I'll give Poppert's a try.

 

[handgunner356]

The frame is the registered part so there is the problem of transfer. I've seen where LE agencys will strip the guns and destroy the frame, then sell off the spare parts. The big question is rather you can buy and frame, have it transfered and still end up with less money than a like gun would cost you.

 

[2nd amnd]

I understand the legal issues of the frame being, in the eyes of the government, the firearm itself. I've bought and sold quite a few guns on Gunbroker, and I used to have my C&R FFL.

It's quite normal and popular to buy a 1911 frame through your local FFL, and build a pistol from the ground up.

I guess the problem is that there are not nearly so many manufacturers of S&W type parts. I guess soon, not even S&W themselves will be making traditional pistol parts!

But with law enforcement agencies chopping up frames and selling off the slides, barrels, and other sundry parts, it seems there would be a market for new frames.

That might even have been the source of the parts set I've got.

Anyway, maybe someone will see a niche in the market, and start making some aftermarket frames, or maybe S&W will start selling leftover frames after they are done building traditional pistols.

Probably not though. My parts will probably rattle around in the box until I'm dead and gone. Oh well, just seems sort of a shame. I'll just have to enjoy the other complete pistols I've got.

Thanks for the input guys.