Top break grips

[Erniekim]

Does anyone know how I can improve the grips on this round butt (Model 3?)
Grips for Any other models fit this gun ?
Perhaps another grip I could buy and reshape a bit?
Thanks in advance.
Kim

 

[glowe]

Let's figure out what you have there. I think your title was meant to say Schofield, but that was a 45 caliber large frame revolver for the military. The Model 3 was also a large frame revolver. You have either a 32 Double Action or a copy. I see what looks like flutes longer than S&W put on their cylinder, but may be the image. If a S&W, you will see very small roll stamped company, address, and patent dates. Please look at the barrel rib with a strong magnifier and see if the first line states: SMITH & WESSON, SPRINGFIELD, MASS?

If so, you have a small revolver that is chambered in 32 Smith & Wesson. The stocks on that model are only found on the 22 Hand Ejector, Ladysmith. You should look over the Vintage Gun Grips website and you will find reproductions, but ebay is about the only other place to look is ebay for an original set. Either option should fit with some minor work.

 

[Erniekim]

Thanks for the reply. The very small stamping is on the top of the barrel. Surprised they could stamp that well back then.
I'll look where you suggested for grips. How old is the lady smith you referred to?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

The tiny M frame Ladysmith (not S&W's terminology. They called it the .22 Hand Ejector) was made from 1903 to around 1920 in 3 models. This is a 1st model from January 1903. The grips on it are typical of the also tiny .32 Double Action top break.

 

[Erniekim]

The serial number is 128327. Can anyone tell me what the S&W book says about it?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Your .32 Double Action, 4th Model was made in Fall 1889. S&W made 327,641 .32 DAs in 5 models from 1880 to 1919. The 4th model was made from 1883 to 1909 for a total production of around 240,000 guns. It chambers .32 S&W, not .32 S&W Long.

 

[Erniekim]

Thanks Guy!!
You confirm what I determined.
I'm thinking about stripping the plating and bluing it. I hate modifying but there were many blued guns of this model. What do you think?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I think it would cost you more than the gun is currently worth. And refinishing it will not increase the value.

 

[gmborkovic]

OP, keep us posted on this project. Im interested to see what
the frame looks like after the un-plating. And the home bluing.

 

[glowe]

OP, keep us posted on this project. Im interested to see what
the frame looks like after the un-plating. And the home bluing.

. . . or not!

 

[merl67]

I would leave it as is you could polish the remaining nickle with Mother's Mag it will help the areas of nickle loss blend in with the nickle giving you a much better looking gun...

 

[H Richard]

Your original question,How to improve the grip, you can add a Tyler T-Grip (or substitute) to enlarge and improve the grip. A J Frame T-Grip will fit well enough.