New to me K-38; help ID grips

[Rakkasan13F]

I just picked up a 6" K-38, serial number K158xxx, to go with my 6" Model 14.

It had some rubber grips on it with which I'm not familiar and I'm hoping some of you long time collectors can help me ID them. They've got finger grooves and the bottom has a slot cut in them which allows you to see the serial number on the grip frame. The inside is marked "Smith & Wesson K," "Square Butt," and what appears to be "Made in Italy." (I've attached photos.)

They feel good in the hand, though I wish they covered the space behind the trigger guard a lot better like Hogue or Pachmayer grips do. Does anybody have a clue who may have made them? Thanks in advance.

 

[TJm15.38]

I have a set of grips like that for K-frame; they are Uncle Mike's and very comfortable in the hand.

 

[Rakkasan13F]

I have a set of grips like that for K-frame; they are Uncle Mike's and very comfortable in the hand.

Thanks.

I thought they "might" be Uncle Mike's because they do bear a resemblance to the Uncle Mike's boot grips I have on a number of J-frames. I wasn't sure, though, because 1) I didn't know if UM's were made in Italy, and 2) I've never seen a set with the cut out in the bottom.

Looking at images of UM K-frame grips online, I see a couple differences. First, every set of UM grips I've found have screw holes on both panels. Second, the markings on the inside are completely different.

Any idea what they're worth?

 

[SG-688]

The rubber grips are by Sile.

I haven't saved ads for rubber grips but I'll check for something in the pile.

Edit:
From a January, 1983 rubber grip review in American Handgunner.

Sile markets a line of rubber grips for revolvers using a nylon-fiberglass reinforcement insert for strength, while reducing both bulk arid weight. These come in a black checkered finish with finger grooves and are relieved for all speedloaders.

The Sile grips are available for the Charter Arms round butt, the Ruger Security-Six square butt, the S&W J frame round butt, and the S&W K frame square butt.

All grips cost $10.95.

 

[Truckman]

Any idea what they're worth?

They may have value to others, but I usually have a box of rubber grips when I have tables at a gun show...They're marked at $10-$20...Others may value them higher or even lower......Ben

 

[Rakkasan13F]

The rubber grips are by Sile.

I haven't saved ads for rubber grips but I'll check for something in the pile.

That seems to be the right answer based on the few images I can find on a Google search.

 

[Alk8944]

They are definitely Sile grips which are made in Italy. Odd that manufacturer is not identified on them at all. Google Sile Rubber Pistol Grips and you should find at least pictures, I did and yours look identical.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

The OP's M-14 has Pachmayrs and those are the ones I prefer.

The K-38 has Siles.

I recommend Fuzzy Farrant wood grips for the 1960s look.

 

[CajunBass]

They were all the rage "back in the day." People would buy a new revolver, take the factory grips off, toss them in the "trash", along with the box and "stuff." Most gun shops had a box full of take off factory grips for cheep. And another one for holsters that got "thrown in" with a gun trade. I've done both.

Now we're throwing away the "goodyears" and prowling the internet and gun shows looking for factory grips and old boxes.

We're a fickle group...ain't we?

 

[Matt_X]

So true!
The LGS I bought the 36-1 from tossed the rubber grips it came in with and put on beautiful target stocks. I would have liked to have had the rubber grips too but they were gone.

 

[Green Frog]

Grips by Goodyear??

 

[Rakkasan13F]

The OP's M-14 has Pachmayrs and those are the ones I prefer.

The K-38 has Siles.

I recommend Fuzzy Farrant wood grips for the 1960s look.

I'd LOVE to have a couple sets of Fuzzy Farrant's. One for my Model 14 and another for my Model 15, so I could replicate that Adam-12 look. But they aren't exactly easy to find for sale these days and when you do, they aren't cheap.