I have a model 617, 4" with the lock. I really like the looks of the original square butt combats, but my piece has the round butt. Can these be fitted to my piece? Is there anyone here that does this kind of work? Thanks.
You can fill in the inletted section of SB stocks to fit the RB frame. One of the Forum craftsmen (VM, Keith Brown) can let you know. Do you not like the factory RB K frame Combat style?
The combat grips are very expensive as they were only produced for a short time and put on the 617 no dash. I would not do a lot of surgery on a set to make them fit unless you feel the cost isn't a factor. They usually sell for north of $100 and I seen sets ith great grain and color go for closer to $200.
Ahrends make a nice combat grip in several wood choices for round butt K frames for $60. The picture below is on a square butt K frame but they also makke them for the round butt.
I use to have a set of rb combats on a 686 but sold em as they did not fit my finger pattern, not really sure the square but grips will fit my hand any better, was kind of hoping that s&w made the combats in a conversion grip as I really like the looks of them. Have looked at the hogue wood conversions and they are pretty sharp but they don't have the s&w medallions and that is a must.
Altamont may be as close as you can get, they are available with medallions for about $10.00 extra. Website says to contact them about conversion grips. Altamont is supplying a lot of S&W (factory) grips now, too. Ahrends are beautifil, but can't get checkering, & that horrible flat front is a deal-breaker for me. Eagle grips are another option with their "finger position stocks", not sure if they offer medallions. The Altamonts are definitely the most cost effective. Having said all that, personally don't care for finger groove stocks at all, evev though I have several sets. Of the finger groove stocks the Hogue top finger groove works best for me. My opinion only FWIW.
Have looked at the altamonts, although nice, the wood almost looks like plastic, may just have to go with the wood hogue grip, with s&w medallions (keeping my fingers crossed), thanks for all your tips and recommendations.
About 20 years ago, I purchased a RB Model 10-7 snubbie that somebody had fit with a pair of SB finger groove combats. I was sure grateful 'cause they look, fit and work great on my 6" Model 66 SB!
The snubbie? It didn't look right with those SB Combats, of course, so I put a factory pair of "banana grips" on it to cut down on the size and improve concealability somewhat... about the same time I bobbed the hammer.
I had the round butt K-frame combats on a 3" Model 64 and they looked great... I don't know what they would be like on the longer gun but I suspect they would be OK if you could find them. JMHO and worth every cent!