S&W N-Frame grip problem ?

XP100

I sold a set of NOS N frame grips and the buyer says they don't fit an N frame. They fit but the top rear corners are a little to proud. My policy is a refund if not as described. You can see the grips I sold on ebay item # 303028770650. Do N frame grips fit all S&S n frame guns or are some different?

charliemeyer007

I have a set of Herrett Shooting Stars that were made before there was a 44 mag. I had to add some bedding to make them fit my 80's N frame. The pin position was little off too. And I hand to cut into the thunbrest for extracting the longer cases.

cndrdk

As Jim said, find out what model customer is trying the grips on. As you describe the fit, customer is attempting to put N frame grips on a K frame revolver.

rufe-snow

I don't know if this is applicable? But a couple of years ago, I had a similar problem with a 5 screw K frame. It originally came, with aftermarket Franzites. When I replaced them, with Smith target grips. The head portion of one of the screws, prevented the grips fitting flush. Had to put a shallow counterbore in the inside surface of the grip. So they could fit flush.

XP100

Pins line up as does the rest of the grip but the top front is a little to high. He says it is a 629-3. There is an N recessed into both grips.

nmyers

The last time I bought replacement grips in the S&W bubble pack, the frame size was rubber stamped on the back. But, that was a while ago....

Neal

nunn

I had a customer who THOUGHT he had a N-frame Smith, and bought a set of N-frame grips that didn't fit at all.

When I got to examine the gun and grips, the problem was obvious. The gun was a K-frame, but nickel plated, so the grip frame was stamped with a "N" for "Nickel."

I got him a set of correct grips.

toad67

quote:Originally posted by XP100
Pins line up as does the rest of the grip but the top front is a little to high. He says it is a 629-3. There is an N recessed into both grips.



Never seen a factory set that had the frame size recessed into the inside of the grips. Sounds like they might be Altamonts...

dfletcher

quote:Originally posted by toad67
quote:Originally posted by XP100
Pins line up as does the rest of the grip but the top front is a little to high. He says it is a 629-3. There is an N recessed into both grips.



Never seen a factory set that had the frame size recessed into the inside of the grips. Sounds like they might be Altamonts...


My thought too. Especially regarding the reference to "pins" because Altamonts come with two steel pins. I've picked up a few S&Ws that had the Smith medallion grips and what I thought were factory grips, they were definitely Altamonts.

Note: tried to look up the auction, wouldn't come up for me.

tsr1965

Well, here is the low down...a few years ago, S&W did a design change to the N-frames. They changed the grip frame to the same size as the "K", and "L" frames, which is also the same size as the "X" frame(460 & 500 S&W). Some bean counter figures out that was less manufacturing to be done, and more money in the coffer from not having to stock one or two more size grips that has 2 different styles(square, and round grip frames).

If the buyer has a Newer N-frame, then he needs the K sized grips for that applicable frame.