Model 67 Grip Help

[SmokinLoon]

Greetings fellow SW shooters. I've been lurking awhile but up until now I've not had a reason to post. First off, I own a 686+ and recently bought a Model 67-1 Combat Masterpiece (SN 20K46xx, manufactured 1978?). It came with the Pachmayr Presentation grips attached and I personally am not fond of them. I like the factory Hogue grips that are on my 686+, but for the M67 I'd like to go original.

[I did a search but did not see the info I was looking for]

I just found a set of typical wood K frame grips (factory new style (no diamond) SW brown grips w/ SW medallion) at a gun show, they appeared to be new or at least unused. Not a scratch on them. Even the screw head was unmarked. I paid $35. I get them home and mount them to the M67 and I was quite disappointed. The grips are bigger than the grip frame by at least 1mm with exception to the base, there the grips fit flush.

What gives? Is there a difference in square butt K frames? Old style vs new style? Pre ban? Feminine/masculine? Chinese knockoffs?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a many.

 

[Engine49guy]

Your 67-1 is a little older than my 1981 but here is a pic
Dont get your hopes up on a perfect fit as the later it went the sloppier the fit, as others have stated at this time many people immediately removed the factory wood and tossed them in the trash with the box in favour of rubber Pachmayers.
Who knew people would want them in 30 years ?

 

[Engine49guy]

To answer you other question there are variances even within the same year and model thats why they used to hand fit grips to the gun and serial number them to the gun.

usually have to try on several pairs to find a good fit, as for quality the ealry 80's seem to be the beginning of the low point in S&W grip manufacturing, If you look closely at the checkering above you will see it disappears at the bottom, what you dont see is how much they overhang the frame and how splintery they are,
The gun is basically unused and the grips are just as they shipped.
You can upgrade to the larger target grips which are a bit better but the ones made in the 70's are better.
PS,
A 1978 could use the earlier football cutout or later speed loader cut targets but Look for SS washers inside to be correct either way,

 

[Wee Hooker]

FWIW, I find Altamont grips to fit perfectly on my K frames. ( I have 4 sets on various vintage K and L frames.) Sell the factory grips and get something that fits.

Dave

 

[StickShift]

I have a 1977 production Model 67-1 that has the same problem. This picture shows new production S&W target stocks with the diamonds and Eagle Heritages. The Eagle's have a very small gap between the grip and the frame, but the S&W's are closer to the 1mm you describe. Neither perfectly matches the contour of the frame either, but they're pretty close. I think the frames have been pretty consistent over the years, but the stocks vary between manufacturer, material, and production date.

 

[GerSan69]

Welcome, Smokes.
Yep, there just isn't any rhyme or reason to it. Unless you want to spend $100 or more on your wood, you won't get a perfect fit unless it's pure luck.
Not to worry, if there's too much wood you can always get out the sandpaper and make it fit the way you want. If it's too "short," I guess you could always put them aside and try for another set.
I'd venture to guess I'm not the only one that (1) made adjustments to wood stocks plenty of times to suit myself over the 30+ years I've had firearms and (2) has a box of at least a couple dozen handgun stocks waiting for a gun to fit them. It's part of the "fun" of accumulating a great gaggle of guns!!

 

[SmokinLoon]

Thanks for the welcoming, gents.

I forgot to add that the grip screw is too short as well. It wont engage the nut. Everything is seated properly as well.

The more I look at this the more I may just pawn these grips off and buy a set of Altamonts and be done with it. They make a nice set of plain jane walnut grips that look good and would suit my needs just fine. Thanks for that link, btw. I've been to Kim's website, too. Lots of good stuff out there other than having to roll the dice with the hit or miss SW factory grips.

 

[Engine49guy]

Didnt notice you were a new member sorry for that ....Welcome !

Your grip screw is probably from a J frame grip which is shorter,
The K frame Magna grip is longer and there is a slightly longer one for targets ,
Also a real thin one for old J frame grips but it wouldnt work at all.

 

[howiema]

Grips

if you want I will send you a pair of Goncalo Alves s&w checkered target grips, when you get them send me the ones you have. The ones I have are k frame square butt. In good shape. If you want to do this PM me with your address.

 

[Biggfoot44]

On a somewhat related note , when did the K Sq Magnas change from being flat on the butt, to having the edge rounded ?

 

[OFT II]

If the base is a close fit and the top protrudes it's likely that you have a set of stocks for a N frame revolver. Is there any markings on the inside of them?

 

[GerSan69]

On a somewhat related note , when did the K Sq Magnas change from being flat on the butt, to having the edge rounded ?

I don't know the when, but the rounded-bottoms are the PC magnas, as in plain clothes. Supposedly easier to conceal by plainclothesmen back in the day. They came on my 2" square-butt Model 10 and my 2" Model 15.

 

[bananaman]

Hi, I have 2 Smiths that have Herretts on them. 1 is a 67 no dash from 1973. The other is a 28 no dash from 1960. They are targets, fit well, and look great in my book. I don't have any Smiths with Magna type grips on. Targets just work better for me. You can't have too many sets of grips. Bob

 

[SmokinLoon]

If the base is a close fit and the top protrudes it's likely that you have a set of stocks for a N frame revolver. Is there any markings on the inside of them?

The only markings on the inside of the grips is on the right panel and it is the number 500972, there is nothing else for markings on either panel.

I just may take these grips to a gun shop and see if they fit an N frame. I'll report back once I know.

On another note, I ordered a set of K frame square classic grips, smooth, from Altamont in "silverblack". They look SCHWEET! Kudos to Altamont for a fine product shipped with 4 different length of grip screws, for under $35. I'm impressed.

Thanks for the advice and input fellas. Much appreciated.

I have some other questions regarding the Mod 67, such as improved sights and "setting" the tension screw for the hammer spring. However, I'll start another thread or two.

Thanks!