Why did S&W even bother with Magna Grips for N-Frames?

[hemiram]

I think the magnas look ridiculous on anything but a small snubnose. I have big feet (13.5-14 shoes), but average hands, and I like the target type grips without checkering. I would like some sort of grooves in them though. My new 46+ year old 28-2 came with Pachmyar rubber grips, and I immediately changed them to these Altamont rosewood smoothies that I just bought:

The grip fit is about perfect, they were difficult to take off when I realized one of the grip pins fell out as I was putting them on.

 

[Waveski]

I acquired my first N frame a few months ago , a 6" Highway Patrolman. I thought that the stock magnas looked way out of proportion , found a set of targets , and I am now happy in terms of shooting comfort and aesthetics - yes - aesthetics are important to me. I found a buyer for the magnas real quick - people like them , I guess.

I have added nothing new to this old thread , but reading it has been enjoyable.