Plastic 2d Gen (?) Backstrap

[Steve912]

Here's a few shots. It came in a grab-bag of "pre-
3rd Gen" parts. Definitely plastic, confirmed by
shaving a sliver off with a single-edge razor blade.
Feels more like ABS than PA6... Steel
"U" clip is only metallic part.

Mounted on a 4513TSW frame, just to show size.

 

[squidsix]

I saw one of these on a 645 once. Really felt good like that, but I never saw another. Was it maybe an aftermarket part?

 

[4T5GUY]

Is it a 669 grip insert?

I bought a few S&W 59-659, (and others,) years ago when they were available. I currently have one on a 59.

The first picture is from Numrich listed in 669 parts.

Jim

 

[Steve912]

I honestly don't know what it's for

StanDDS mentioned in another thread that (all?) 2d
Gen backstraps were aluminum--if I'm not putting
words in his mouth. He seemed interested in
drilling down further on what I had, so
figured a new thread was in order.

I'd say it's too short for a 59xx. It leaves a small
gap below the beavertail overhang, maybe thickness
of a dime, on the 4513TSW frame.

I only got into the 3rd Gens in this year, and have
less familiarity--like hardly ANY--with the 1st and
2d Gen guns. So, I can't speculate effectively
in a convincing manner, on what this is.

Tho I do have a 469 inbound... Wondering if
it'll be smidge thinner across the grips, than a 6906!

 

[Steve912]

Is it a 669 grip insert?

Jim

I'd say it looks about-almost-exactly, like that first pic
as far as I can tell, looking at something I know next
to nothing about.

 

[tom 45]

It looks similar to the back strap on a 469.
If you look closely you can see the piece in this photo.

 

[Gunhacker]

S&W sold accessory back straps that were plastic, I have them on my 459 and 559, I've not seen one before for a x69, that would be a real find!

 

[Steve912]

It looks similar to the back strap on a 469.
If you look closely you can see the piece in this photo.

Ah, so!

I have a 469 inbound. Was the oem plastic, or aluminum?

 

[Steve912]

S&W sold accessory back straps that were plastic, I have them on my 459 and 559, I've not seen one before for a 669.

Well, that should answer the question as to whether S&W
made some in plastic, or no.

I'm guessing this one is for something shorter than the full
frame size pistols, but not sure if it's double or single stack-
width. I've got a 469 coming this week, will be interesting to
see if the OEM is plastic, or aluminum.

 

[Steve912]

It looks similar to the back strap on a 469.
If you look closely you can see the piece in this photo.

I think you're right, MACV!

I just pulled up auction shots and did a 'relative perspective'
visual overlay, and it looks like it'll match the beater I have
coming

Wonder if ABS takes paint...hmmm!

 

[JohnHL]

Steve, that's a 469/669 back strap.

The 469/669 had a plastic back strap, as you will discover when you receive your 469.

I've had a few of these back straps and I narrowed one for a 3914 project.

Slenderizing the Slim. A 3914 story (with pictures)

John

 

[quikdraw67]

Ah, so!

I have a 469 inbound. Was the oem plastic, or aluminum?

I have one inbound also.

 

[stansdds]

I agree, looks like it fits the Model 469.

 

[surfgun]

Plastic curved backstraps was a factory replacement part for the 459/659 pistols. Factory fitted for the 469/669.
I dare anyone to find a factory manufactured 645 plastic backstrap. As S&W never cataloged such a part.

The one fitted on that 4513, was a 469/669 modified part. What one would do for panels after that fitting is beyond me?

 

[Steve912]

The one fitted on that 4513, was a 469/669 modified part. What one would do for panels after that fitting is beyond me?

I just slipped it on an available frame, for size reference, for this
thread.

Edit: for the how-to on fitting 2d Gen grip panels onto a 3rd
Gen frame, I recommend JohnHL's most excellent "Slenderizing
the Slim" thread.

 

[surfgun]

I just slipped it on an available frame, for size reference, for this
thread.

Okay, a 4513 grip frame is of course shorter than a 645/4506 frame. Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[Steve912]

Okay, a 4513 grip frame is of course shorter than a 645/4506 frame. Thanks for the confirmation.

You're welcome, I noted it in the first post, with the pic.

AFA there not being a version for the 645, I have no
idea--but SquidSix says there is

 

[squidsix]

It may well have not been a factory offering. I can only tell you what I saw. It was plainly a S&W model 645 with an arched black backstrap. Similar in profile to the ones shown here. It protruded beyond the limit of the grip panels.

 

[squidsix]

It was a 745 vice 645. Found a pic:

 

[Steve912]

It was a 745 vice 645. Found a pic:

Kewl peestole. But ya know they never made them for the 745,
either

Those stocks almost look like moddy-fried 1911 panels...
Hmmmmmmm...