Square Butt N frame recommendations thanks to LSCG

[potatojudge]

I find myself in need of a square butt N frame after Zane posted grips I couldn't resist. 

I'd like to stay under $1500 which from what I can see should give me a reasonable selection. 

I was thinking they'd look good with nickel, but a bright polish blue would work well also. 

Suggestions from the N frame collectors?

Link to the grips in question:

http://instagram.com/p/C2i1HwAMhAJ

[kings6]

4" model 57 or a model 58. those grips deserve to be on a 41 caliber gun!

[paleroadster]

Those would look fantastic on a 544 wagon train. And it gets you that magic 5" barrel, plus you get a 44 that isn't just another 44mag.

[bigbore5]

If it's in the budget, a registered magnum.

[wilecoyote]

...good, they're looking good: if look has some priority, since the introduction of factory Hogues up they can grace and honor any N frame and put in shame all the rubber grips, not to mention the more recent "Classic" wood things_

if one then wanted to preserve vintage grips in the most valuable old N, the only model where they wouldn't find a place would be the 3.5", but it's just a personal taste matter_

[woody]

I like the way you think!!!! Buy the grips before the gun. As a lefty done it many times with holsters.

My vote is a 4” model. 29. or a 3.5” 27.

[45MAN]

I HAVE A NICE 6" MODEL 24 44 SPECIAL THOSE GRIPS WOULD LOOK GOOD ON

[bushog]

I was tempted…. Nice snag

[potatojudge]

Robb, a 41 Mag was my first thought. Fixed sights are smooth in and out of any N frame holsters, and a fixed 41 would be pretty cool.

Paleroadster, that actually crossed my mind but I hadn't had a chance to check out the market for them. Once upon a time they were a steal but like everything, prices have crept up. Texas grips on a Texas gun living in Texas has its appeal. Of course I would feel the need to hotrod a 44-40 to justify not simplifying life with a model 29. Looking like they're NIB with the display case for $1500 so a good value. IIRC the bores are .429 and throats are usually correct?

Bigbore5 I suspect I'd be very lucky to find one of those in my price range, and if so I feel like it'd be better served with period ropers or similar.

Woody, both good options. If I was getting either should I look for a pre 29 or a specific revision? P&R would be the draw for a model 29, and some old quality blue.

45MAN would it look good in my safe wearing those grips or you're safe wearing those grips lol? The model 24 has a lot of appeal, but then it goes up against a 29 and the market probably favors me getting a 29. I'll definitely be searching the market for a 24 though.

bushog, we're gonna need a pic of the gun you'd put it on!

[kings6]

Just imagine them on this guns twin with the Bowen combat sights but a square butt!

[potatojudge]

Jan 30, 2024 22:37:00 GMT -5 kings6 said:

Just imagine them on this guns twin with the Bowen combat sights but a square butt!

Those are some slick sights! These grips would work nicely on its twin if I could make it happen. I thought Bowen stopped working on S&W though.

Took me a minute to notice the graft on the grips. The eye just blends it like that's variation in the grain. 

[kings6]

Bowen scrounged around and found a set to sell me then Alan installed them and the rebored barrel.

[kings6]

I screwed up on the grafting piece. I should have removed the finish on the original grips before I decided what to graft on. I used rosewood but after removing the finish I sent a picture to Rob Rowan since he learned from Roy and he felt that Roy used French walnut originally.

[needsmostuff]

A couple of thoughts.
I avoid nickel guns for the most part. If they are nice, they just become safe queens. When they get a scratch, and they will if you use them, it's just too painful. If you need shiny, get stainless.
Most of the newer S&W revolvers since about 1996 (except for the Classics) are all round butts. So you are looking for an older gun or a new Classic.
Probably in a minority but for me big square butt full sized target grips visually overpower a 4" barreled gun,,,,,,, even an N frame. My 4" or less N frames all ways seem to end up with more of a combat styled grip much like kings6 showed. .
Your grips place for me would be on a 5", 6" or more barreled gun.
A big ole long snout tapered barrel 38-40 outdoorsman or pre 24 44 spl. target would stay classic and unique. The lighter barreled 6" guns feel more svelte to me than a heavy barreled 4" gun ,,,go figure.




Or a 5" mod.25-7 45C would look mighty cool. Plenty of 5" mod. 27 guns out there also.

[cbzr1107]

My vote goes to a 4in Mod. 57, such as this one I just acquired.