N Frame Grip Prices - What’s going on here???

[s&wchad]

I'm not talking Cokes or non-relieved targets, I'm talking 1970's vintage N frame targets. I put these on ebay last month with an opening bid of $9.99. They brought $201.50 + shipping, which I thought that was absolutely insane (but I took the money).

Today I saw these N frame non-diamond targets (stainless inserts) that sold for, … get this, … $380 (free shipping though)!

Click here: (you'll need to be logged in on fleabay to see it).

Are people completely losing their minds???

 

[fyimo]

N frame target grips have been rising steadily over the past 3 months and are at rediculously high levels. I started buying a lot of S&W revolvers lately and I have been buying grips for them until recently when these high prices slowed me down. If a pair of N frame Target grips comes up on Ebay with good color and grain they sell for a very high price. All it takes is two guys with money that want the same grips and the bidding war is on.

There was a set of K frame targets a week or so ago that sold for over two hundred that had great color and grain. It seems like there is no end to this as I thought it would start to level out or actually go down but it hasn't. The funny thing is occasionally you can buy a set of S&W Combat grips for the same or less money as the the targets?

 

[pred]

I bought a few sets over the past few years and would not go above $50, Most I got in the $25 range, Mabey I need to go through my box-o-grips and see what I dont need. I have a couple sets on mint K frame diamond targets in there somewhere!!!
BUT HOLY GUN GRIPS BATMAN ! $200 smackers.
Good for you ! ! !
Peter

 

[David LaPell]

I can understand having the original grips for the value of the gun. But since none of the factory grips ever fit my hands, I seem to always gravitate towards something aftermarket. If I buy a handgun and the original grips are gone, so be it. I usually spend the money on getting something that fits my hand. If I'm going to spend $200-$300 on grips, they better either be stag or ivory.

 

[Doc44]

Prices are up, but the pair that sold for $380 was the result of two bidders who really wanted that set of stocks.

Bill

 

[s&wchad]

Originally posted by Doc44:
Prices are up, but the pair that sold for $380 was the result of two bidders who really wanted that set of stocks.

Bill

Yes Sir, they sure did!

Like my father use to say, "If you want something really bad, that's usually how you get it".

 

[Camster]

...think I'll buy Nills if I want to spend two bills.

 

[Chuck Jones]

Originally posted by Camster:
...think I'll buy Nills if I want to spend two bills.

Hey, Nills are OK but Patrick will make you a set of elk stags for that (maybe less)!

/c

 

[gunnut44]

I can remember paying $300 for a set of N frame targets and they came with a 4" Mod.28

 

[29aholic]

Heck KB will make you a very nice set for less than what cokes are bringing

 

[No30]

Heck KB will make you a very nice set for less than what cokes are bringing

I was thinking the same thing.

Todd

 

[Calaveras Slim]

Originally posted by No30:

Heck KB will make you a very nice set for less than what cokes are bringing

I was thinking the same thing.

Todd

Patrick Grasshorn is selling his N frame Elk Stags for the 140-150 range and they are worth every penny. I have a SB M22 and RB M25 with them and they are perfect.

I am looking at maybe buying a set to replace the Hogues on my M29.


Who is KB?

 

[Camster]

KB is Keith Brown,bis45 here on the forum.
classiccarvedgrips.com
Beautiful stuff-I'm the proud owner of two sets.

 

[phenson]

Ok, well that puts me in a quandry. I have a model 25-5 which is pinned, so that puts it somewhere between '78-'82 timeframe, with a set of perfect grips. Should I sell them on ebay for $300.00 and get s set of KB grips or should I leave it original?

 

[toroflow1]

Originally posted by phenson:
Ok, well that puts me in a quandry. I have a model 25-5 which is pinned, so that puts it somewhere between '78-'82 timeframe, with a set of perfect grips. Should I sell them on ebay for $300.00 and get s set of KB grips or should I leave it original?

N frame target grips of that vintage won't likely bring more than about $100, that is unless of course you get a couple of idiots bidding the price up!!

And while everyone should own a set of Executioner stag grips for their S&Ws, the original grips that came on the gun when new should be retained at all costs!

 

[Sgt 127]

Anyone want to hazard a guess as to how many of those grips I have reshaped, ground out a dish for speeloader clearance, thinned or otherwise mutilated over the years? Makes me shudder now.

 

[dutcher987]

I was watching a set of Diamond Target Grips on eBay... they sold for $380! They looked nice, but not worth that kind of money IMHO. Lots of things are bringing more money as of late. If you can get that kind of money, great! It is a sellers market when there are crazy guys with lots of cash. I wish that I had more cash!

 

[stevieboy]

I have a 27-3 with a pristine set of factory original N-frame targets. I'd thought about getting a set of Nills (fit my hand better) to replace them but I hesitated because of the price. But now, I realize I could sell the targets (just kidding here) and use the proceeds to finance the Nills plus, maybe, a great dinner for me and my wife. Woo-hoo, I'm rich!!!

 

[mbdorfer]

Wow, after reading this thread I don't feel so bad.
Just won these on Ebay for $51

 

[Gunhacker]

Mbdorfer.... I hate to rain on your parade, but those are probably a prime example why the older factory made S&W grips are starting to command the prices they are garnering. The newer ones just don't look like the original S&W grips no matter how hard the current maker tries to make them.

The target grips mentioned in this post were made in house by S&W, the checkering and borders are cut, and except for the extractor relief "football" cuts or speed loader "half moon" cutouts, they are basically the same style that have been on S&W revolvers for decades.

The grips like the ones you purchased are not made by S&W, but made for S&W by Altamont. The checkering and bordering is imbossed/pressed in (not cut), and the tops are a different shape and style.

You paid a fair price for them... but they just aren't in the same class as the original grips that were made at the S&W factory.