SMITH & WESSON Target Grips “FRANZITE”

[BMur]

Oh,
I know, they are junk right? Actually, they aren’t.
Franzite reproduction grips were introduced in 1929. Discontinued in about 1969. They actually are extremely durable grips. I had no idea they manufactured reproduction target grips for the early target single shots.

See photo 1&2.

I picked up an auction lot of early catalogs. One of the catalogs was a Franzite grip catalog from the late 1950s. Notice in the photos one of the grips they offered was a target grip. News to me!

Searched the Internet and found two really cheap. Notice they are actually larger than the original, and provide a full grip for the target shooter. I like them a lot. They fit the frame tightly but I will have to fit them a little better.

So from now on when I bring my antique Smith & Wesson revolvers to the range, I won’t have to worry about damaging the original factory target grips or even smaller HR grips because they are staying home in the safe! Original Factory Target grips are very expensive now and replacement grips? Good luck!

These old Franzite grips are no less than 55 years old and as much as 95 years old. They look and feel new and very durable.

Sure wish I knew about these Target repros years ago!

Murph

 

[desi2358]

I've had a couple guns that had those target style grips on them when I got them. They do provide a decent handhold and seem fairly durable. Have run across a lot of old Franzite grips over the years on a lot of different guns. They were a very busy and popular company based on how many I've seen installed.

 

[Boulder350]

Here are my only pair. Is this what collectors mean when the warn of the Mottled red and black replacement grips that are not factory?

 

[BMur]

Manufactured by

All of the Franzite grips are maker marked on every scale located on the inside. It’s part of the casting. See photo
Those are nice grips Mark!

Murph

 

[BMur]

Logo/ Medallion

Also,
There must have been a few transitions during the 40 years they were produced. I noticed that most of the Franzite grips have round metallic medallions with the Franzite logo on top.
Notice the smaller repro grips for Smith & Wesson revolvers in photos.

I have seen Target grips with and without the medallion so it might be an early vs late production thing. More research with early catalogs would be needed to determine when they introduced the medallion and when it was terminated.

Murph