Round Butts

[gbw]

I need some help with the newer Smith Revolvers.

When did Smith go to only round butts on the K,L,N frames, (at which model dashes for 66, 686, 57, 657, 29 etc.). Or did they?

If they do, are newer guns true round butt with a backstrap like the older versions, or is it a stump like Ruger uses? Are they grooved like they used to be?

Would a 686-4, or a 66-4, for example all have round butts?

I know the older guns fairly well, but there is no stocking dealer to look at around here to see the newer models,

Thanks for the help!

 

[scha]

My understanding is that all new production revolvers have the traditional "round butt". Smith & Wesson has never used a "stump".

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[SaberOne]

So, what are the technical differences or advantages between round vs. square butts, if any?

 

[-db-]

So, what are the technical differences or advantages between round vs. square butts, if any?

The most obvious and perhaps important would be easier concealability with the round butt, from a carry perspective. On the other hand, a square butt may prove more accurate as it fills the hand more.

 

[gbw]

I don't believe there are any mechanical differences - at least not in the older models with which I'm familiar.

Strictly form and preference, and I believe in these older guns you can actually make a round but from a square butt frame.

In general I prefer the round butt as I tend to shoot mostly with the sights and the round butted guns seem to point better for me at eye level.

The J-Frames, I believe, are different between round and square.

But I'm not sure about the newer guns.

 

[R. G. Amos]

I find the round but guns in magnum chamberings more pleasant to shoot.

 

[scha]

A round butt can easily be enlarged with a bigger grip that converts the shape to that of the square butt. With a square butt revolver, however, you can't create the shape of the round butt as it is too big. So, the factory can save money by making all revolvers with the round butt and then they can be easily converted to square butt shape with just a new grip. Those with larger hands usually prefer the square butt shape. I think the factory stopped making square butt revolvers around 1996. Since then only the round butt shape is available.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[SaberOne]

Thanks guys, I suspected as much but I needed to know for sure. There isn't a day go by that I don't learn something new here on the various gun forums. I own j-frames and I have a 686 in the wings. My former revolver was a 1974 Model-28 as a LEO. I sure wish that I had held on to it. It was clearly a square butt although I wasn't into the technical points back then. After decades with auto-loaders, I decided to come back to revolvers as they are a lot more fun to shoot.

 

[jkingrph]

I picked up a Mod 29, and a 629 classic a few years ago. Both have round butts and Hogue rubber grips which I do not like. I prefer the large target style grips, like on my two old K frames, so I currently have on back order from S&W two sets of round to square conversion grips, walnut, checkered with the S&W medallion inlaid.

The Hogue grips have areas which are very narrow, then flares out a bit wider. I like the constant wider taper of the wood grips.

 

[dkees]

Now I know why Crimson Trace doesn't make their product for a square butt M36.

Thanks to all

 

[jpz]

My personal opinion is ..... I hate RD butt N frames! Unfortunately I have two. I much prefer the square butt on large frame revolvers. .44 mag is a b@#%&* in a round butt.
Just my $.02

 

[batmann]

Everything said about the round vs square grip is accurate, All of my Smith's have the round and if desired, you can get conversion grips to make them round to square, but all I have seen have been wood. My Smith's are all .44 Mags so I bought a set of X frame Hogues from S&W.
As for the mechanical part, I believe the are the same, only the frame has been changed to protect the innocent---------

 

[JohnAC]

I prefer the round butt design with anything under 3". Revolvers with round butts just don't look right to me at 4" and longer.

Here's such an animal. A 4" 686 Round butt that I had to convert using Ahrend's retro grips.

.

 

[jmtgsx]

Gorgeous gun & grips!
Great photography, too.

 

[jrod]

I totally agree with JohnAC...

 

[drakkar73]

Very nice grips. If I ever end up with a round butt gun I will know exactly which grip to buy aftermarket.