Recent Addict Needs Help/Advice

[handyman]

I'm ready to start shopping around for a nice set of period correct grips for my Pre 27 that my father gave to me and would like some help from you folks to make sure I don't get screwed. I 'm not shooting this gun a whole lot and don't use it as a carry gun so I really want to put the correct grips on it, yes I know I'm going to have to practically sell my kidneys to buy them but I really want it to be as correct as possible. So what I'm trying to find out is as I'm searching for a set of Diamond Magnas for it how do I know what to look for? I know what they look like but how do I know that they are the correct age and not reproduction pieces? I have a flat latch 36 that was my grandfathers and it is still wearing its original grips and they don't have the shine that most of the newer grips have, seem to have been oiled almost instead of clear coated but I have seen others that are still wearing their correct grips that do have that shiny look. Can I just look for grips that have a specific range of serial numbers stamped in them? Any help you all could offer would be greatly appreciated. Here's a picture I took quickly a while back, sorry for the lack of clarity I was in a hurry! As you can see she is a long way from correct in the grip department! :-(

 

[VM]

handyman - your in good hands here on the Forum and you won't have a problem.
Here's a thread that shows Geno's Highway patrolman with the diamond magnas next to the gun.
Another member has shown multiple pics also.
An excellent set will run from $100 to $150 IMO. I will caution you to make sure the seller knows that he has N frame and not K frame as they are quite similar.

Post a wanted ad in the classifieds and be patient. A nice set will come along
Good luck...............check out this thread

http://smith-wessonforum.com/3-s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/91267-ive-inherited-highway-patrolman.html

 

[66TAS]

I was gonna suggest you contact member VM and ask him if he has a set of diamond magnas or targets. Thats what I always do and I always get a nice set at a fair price.

Be careful though, he is very humble and honest.

 

[handyman]

handyman - your in good hands here on the Forum and you won't have a problem.
Here's a thread that shows Geno's Highway patrolman with the diamond magnas next to the gun.
Another member has shown multiple pics also.
An excellent set will run from $100 to $150 IMO. I will caution you to make sure the seller knows that he has N frame and not K frame as they are quite similar.

Post a wanted ad in the classifieds and be patient. A nice set will come along
Good luck...............check out this thread
Thanks for the link VM. Could you give me any pointers as to what to look for when I do find a set. What will yell me they are period correct?
http://smith-wessonforum.com/3-s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/91267-ive-inherited-highway-patrolman.html

Posted via Mobile Device

 

[sth44]

Grips

Handyman, I may be able to help you out. I will need atleast the first 3 digits of the ser.#, just X out the rest of the #'s, or email me with the ser.# and I'll see if I can help.

Having a problem posting pictures. Will try to get it resolved and post some.

Steve

 

[handyman]

Handyman, I may be able to help you out. I will need atleast the first 3 digits of the ser.#, just X out the rest of the #'s, or email me with the ser.# and I'll see if I can help.

Having a problem posting pictures. Will try to get it resolved and post some.

Steve

Thanks, she is S1390XX

 

[29aholic]

Thanks, she is S1390XX

That puts you in the 1953/55 timeframe

 

[sth44]

handyman, the closest ones I have are 124243,161267,and 164524. They are all 95% or better, the only issue with any of them is 124243 has what looks like 2 magic marker lines on the front edge,where your middle finger would rest and a couple of small marrs on the bottom.

If you will send me you emaill address, I'll send you some pictures.

Steve

 

[handyman]

handyman, the closest ones I have are 124243,161267,and 164524. They are all 95% or better, the only issue with any of them is 124243 has what looks like 2 magic marker lines on the front edge,where your middle finger would rest and a couple of small marrs on the bottom.

If you will send me you emaill address, I'll send you some pictures.

Steve

Thanks for the reply Steve I sent you an IM with my email address and am looking foreward to seeing the pictures! I love this forum, less than a day later and I may have found something! You guys are awesome!
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Engine49guy]

Model 27 magnas

This site is a goldmine of information.
Grips do pop up for sale elsewhere but here you can feel safe the goods will arrive as described.

I just picked up a pre 27 of similar vintage.
Here it is with a Lew Horton model 24-3 .44 special for comparison.

Here is a picture of diamond square butt magnas on an N, K and J frame for comparison.

Save your rubber grips, The Magnas look awesome but are a bit small in the hand for extended use on the range.


In my opinion N frame diamond target grips feel better than magnas and still maintain
a vintage look.

My friend just bought a new copy of the model 22 .45 ACP N frame, I was really impressed with the vintage recreation of the pre war grip look.

I recently looked through Smiths website to see if they were commercially available, but did not find them.

If anyone has a link to a website to buy them maybe they could post it?

I recently also posted pictures of a set I got free with a batch of other Smith grips.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/2-s-w-...568-help-identifying-these-n-frame-grips.html

Turns out they are plastic cast copies, I believe they are about $30.00 and great as a second set that maintain a vintage appearance.

Sent you a PM with pictures, Also posted pics on my model 29.
Good Luck and enjoy your new Smith!

 

[handyman]

Engine49guy those are some nice looking pistols you have there.

 

[Engine49guy]

N frame grips

Thanks Handyman,
Pre model 27' s are sweet guns.

I hope it wasnt sensory overload,
Just wanted to show you what each different set of grips looks like on an N frame

I think you are smart to replace the rubber with correct Vintage diamond magnas.
I would keep the rubber for the range.

Its amazing how changing grips can make your gun look totally different.

Maybe the answer is to have a few different sets and a good screw driver that wont mar the grip screws.
Enjoy your N frame!