S&W Grip Adapter for N-Frame - Fit Issues?

[CKPOMEH]

Hi folks -

I just purchased a S&W grip adapter for N-frame but the fit is not as snug and tight as I was expecting (I have a K-frame with a Tyler T grips and they are very snug). Can you take a look at the attached and let me know if:

1) Yes, those are supposed to look like this, or
2) Something is off here - the shape may have changed over time, I may have installed it improperly, etc?

Thanks a bunch in advance!

 

[desi2358]

Looks off to me, like it's warped. Never seen any brand of grip adapter that stuck out at the bottom like that as designed. They normally fit flush against the grip strap all the way down.

 

[bananaman]

Looks like it needs to be slid up and moved in towards the frame. My experience with them is minimal. I am a target stock kind of guy! Bob

 

[CKPOMEH]

Looks off to me, like it's warped. Never seen any brand of grip adapter that stuck out at the bottom like that as designed. They normally fit flush against the grip strap all the way down.

Yes, it is off...I agree with your point above, Tyler's fit so much better!

If anyone has a picture of a factory S&W N frame adapter on an N-frame and what a proper look may be, please post - I think it will confirm our observations above!

 

[Nesmith]

Wondering if that particular grip adapter was made to fit the longer pre-war N-frame grip? Any idea of the vintage of your grip adapter?

 

[Alk8944]

Try loosening the stock screw then hold the gun in your hand and squeeze it in at the bottom and push up tight. Hold while tightening the screw. It may have been for the early N-frames that were about 1/8" longer than later models, but that wouldn't make the tail stick out like that.

 

[Muley Gil]

Looks kinda like a Colt New Service grip adapter.

 

[Truckman]

Looks kinda like a Colt New Service grip adapter.

With a S&W logo on it?......Ben

 

[CKPOMEH]

Wondering if that particular grip adapter was made to fit the longer pre-war N-frame grip? Any idea of the vintage of your grip adapter?

Yes, indeed - this seems to be the case. I just fitted it on a .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model, and w/o the stocks on, if fit like a glove!

Here is what is causing a problem: Since my grips on this gun are later (post 68 magnas), once I put the grips, since they are thicker than the early pre-war ones from the 1920s N-frame grips, the grips push out the adapter out of its place forward...So, if I want to have the adapter on that 2nd Model, I need to procure proper grips for it...

Now we know, there are S&W N Frame grip adapters for pre-war N-Frame and they are different than the ones for the post-war (shorter N frame models)! The pre-war are a little wider on the top, and a little longer, and won't fit right post-ware N-frames

PS: The 2nd model HE is factory re-blued, with a later barrel and Marble's sights - I have a thread on it here: https://smith-wessonforum.com/threads/s-w-hand-ejector-2nd-model-with-mods.721353/#post-141982837 - some interesting facts shared by knowledgeable forum members in there

 

[CKPOMEH]

Try loosening the stock screw then hold the gun in your hand and squeeze it in at the bottom and push up tight. Hold while tightening the screw. It may have been for the early N-frames that were about 1/8" longer than later models, but that wouldn't make the tail stick out like that.

Yep, you had the right hunch there - they do fit the longer pre-war N-frame but the newer Magnas seem thicker than the older (2nd model ones), and the grips are pushing / rotating the adapter out, as they are squeezing out its ends (that extend beoynd the sides of the front strap).