Were the grip fames different on 50's N frames?

[Bullet Bob]

I have this model 1955 shipped in January 1956. It came with a set of period Sanderson grips, which were very slightly loose - they rocked just the tiniest fraction. I sold them to a person who said they fit the S&W he put them on just with no problem. I put on an old pair of Herrett's Jordan Troopers, and they do the same thing. A set of diamond targets that I think are from the 60's do fit tightly.

The gun has some slight period modifications for 50's bullseye shooting. I'm 99% sure it has never been reblued. The front sight has been modified to make it wider at the rear:

As you can see, some polishing has taken place internally:

And a trigger stop has been added:

But I don't think the grip frame has been modified. It doesn't look exactly like my 50's K-frames, but I don't have another 50's N frame to compare it to (sad, isn't it - feel free to donate to the cause ):

I guess my question is, what do you folks think? Were the grip frames different back then?

The trigger is excellent - not too light, smooth, no problems with ignition. The gun is very accurate, and a joy to shoot. This has bugged me for years, finally I'm going to do something about it. I love the Herrett's grips, guess I'll try adding some tape in strategic areas.

 

[John F.]

Me, too!

I've wondered the same thing!

I once examined an early-50's N frame (c. 1954?) which had factory smooth
presentation stocks. The stocks were a slightly loose fit, so much so
that they had chipped under recoil. I didn't get to try any other stocks
on it to see how they would fit, but the ones on it definitely were
inletted oversized relative to this frame.

Any info would be much appreciated!

John

 

[murphydog]

In the 1950s, and up until sometime into the late 1970s, each set of wood service stocks was individually fitted to a specific gun, hence the "matching numbered stocks" often mentioned when describing an all-original gun. I think this indicates some variability, however slight, in the grip frame.

Nearly all factory target stocks were supposed to be universal fit, but as you can imagine there is just enough variation in grip frame dimensions such that "one size fits all" doesn't in all cases.

 

[sceva]

There is always some variation between frames ( and between grips). The frames were hand polished which was why when magnas or the older frame sized stocks were used they were numbered to and finished on the frame. The same thing happens with later production; I have switched stocks (Herretts and Factory) between a Mod 57 I had and my 1985 Mod 25-5 and they all fit snug on the 57 but slightly rocked ( like your's) on the 25-5. When I get this on my Jordan Troopers I either cut a narrow strip or two of paper and shim the half circle inletting at the top or ( a more permanent fix) I waxed the frame well and added a thin layer of 5 minute epoxy around the inletting at the top and let it set up for a custom fit. Just be careful and use PLENTY of paste wax on the frame as a release agent. ALL OVER it not just where you think the epoxy will be.
You also need to watch the alignment pin holes on grips that have been on and off a lot as they will wear oversize if not careful and also cause wiggling. I have seen Herretts in the past with a nylon disc in the grip and the pin hole in the disc to combat this. Now Herrett uses a brass disc. Theyre older stocks, like mine, just had the hole drilled into the wood. Ahggain, if they get oversized, epoxy and a release agent (wax) on the pin and the frame around it.

 

[madmikeb]

In the days before CNC machining there was definitely some variance in grip frame dimensions. I always put a Hogue wood stock on my revolvers as soon as I get them and all my older guns had to have to stocks shimmed to fit correctly.

 

[1Aspenhill]

Lee should answer this one, but I do know that there are several sized N frames between 1946 and 1950. Grips that should fit one don't and vice versa. If you have a transition gun and buy some grips for it, they may or may not fit.
Bill

 

[Dave T]

Not sure if this is what you guys are talking about but I was told (can't remember who it was) that the Model of 1950 grip frames are different (shorter in my experience) than the pre-War long actions. I suspect there might be other slight differences to go along with the extra length. I know stocks that fit my pre -WWII guns all over hang the butt of the post-war Models of 1950.

Dave

 

[linde]

I have this model 1955 shipped in January 1956. It came with a set of period Sanderson grips, which were very slightly loose - they rocked just the tiniest fraction.

I understand "slightly loose" but not sure how they "rocked". If they rock front to back like they're high-centered, you might check your hammer spring to insure it is centered in the base of the frame. It's hard to tell from your picture but it appears to be slightly high on the left side. You'll need to loosed the strain screw so you can slide it flush with the frame on both sides.

Russ

 

[10/22]

I understand "slightly loose" but not sure how they "rocked". If they rock front to back like they're high-centered, you might check your hammer spring to insure it is centered in the base of the frame. It's hard to tell from your picture but it appears to be slightly high on the left side. You'll need to loosed the strain screw so you can slide it flush with the frame on both sides.

Russ

I blew up pics on my computer and sure enough, the hammer spring is off center in frame. It overhangs on the left side. That will do it!
10/22.

 

[Bullet Bob]

That was a good call, Russ. The spring was flush with the frame, but was not centered. I took care of that, and there's a lot less wiggle - what's left is nearly imperceptible, and is probably just the grips themselves.

 

[savasyn]

I have a question about this as well. I recently picked up a set of N frame target grips built in the mid-80s and they do not fit my '53 pre-27 at all. The front wood is not relieved nearly enough to clear the front strap of the grip frame and the horns don't appear to line up with rear of the gun, even if the front was relieved enough.

They aren't loose and wiggly, they literally do not even fit on the frame.

My first thought was that they were K frame grips, but I checked and they are definitely not(too big). Unfortunately, my only newer square butt N frame gun is away being fixed so I can't try them out on it.

Is there any expectation that grips from the '80s would not fit a frame from the '50s?