Picked up a very nice Model 12 today!!

[Bacon]

colt_saa - Did you try to fit the 65's grips on the Airweight? Up until -4 the Model 12's grip frame was thinner across the back than a steel K-frame. This made it so a steel K-frame's stocks would not fit flush on a Model 12. I'm guessing the Airweight M&P is probably the same.

 

[colt_saa]

colt_saa - Did you try to fit the 65's grips on the Airweight? Up until -4 the Model 12's grip frame was thinner across the back than a steel K-frame. This made it so a steel K-frame's stocks would not fit flush on a Model 12. I'm guessing the Airweight M&P is probably the same.

Bacon,
Earlier I put one grip panel on the Airweight 38 M&P. It mated up to the revolver and the other grip panel correctly

I have already put the 65 back in the safe, but I do have a Model 19 and a Model 10 sitting out right now

Width of the grip frames on my Airweight 38 M&P, and and the other more modern K-frames looks identical when held next to to each other.

If there is a difference, I would need a dial caliper to determine it, but we would be talking something in the hundredths of inches

Using a non-dial caliper, all three grip frames measure .35" in width

 

[Kansasgunner]

If I remember correctly it is the frame which is narrower on M&P Airweights, not the backstrap.

 

[Artist007]

As far as frame/grip differences, I ran into a fitment issue myself. I have a 357 model 19-3, and also an Airweight 38 model 12-2, both round butts with original grips. I bought new grips for one, and wanted to swap the originals to keep the better of the sets leftover. It didn't work even though they are both supposed to be K frames. I believe the 12-2 has a shallower grip relief, or maybe the 357 has a deeper grip relief than other K frames.

 

[Bacon]

My Model 12-3 is thinner across the whole grip frame and regular K-frame grips will not fit. It leaves a gap so I'm stuck with the original grips.

 

[Artist007]

This was a great find, btw! I hope I find a blued model 12 at a price like this soon to be aside my nickel plated one.