K and N frame gripframes

[wpeel]

Are they the same size, or very nearly so?  Looking at creating a Jovino style conversion on a Model 25/5...and part of the process is changing the N frame square butt configuration to K frame round butt configuration.  If so, I could make a template from a K frame round butt to use as a cutting pattern.  Any experience along these lines?

[strawhat]

Experience. Yes. I reconfigured a S&W Model 28-2 from N square to K round butt. I simply installed a set of K round stocks on the frame and removed all the metal that leaked out past the wood. I put ONE layer of masking tape on the metal. When I got close, I slowed down and switched to a fine toothed file.






Where you may find issue is up by the hammer. I choose not to remove metal there. So, any stocks I purchase for this revolver are custom fit, by me, to this revolver.

Here is a Model 25-2 that I had round butted by Andy Horvath.  He removed metal from the area by the hammer but he also recut the grooves in the backstrap. In this image you can see how N frame stocks are too large.



I fit these stocks also.  Not sure how K frames would fit, it is too easy to fit N frame stocks.


Kevin

[wildbill]

I believe in terms of the grip frames, K and L are the same, but the N just a bit larger............

[wpeel]

Thank you for the replies thus far. I am learning.

[45MAN]

I CAN THINK OF DISADVANTAGES OF DOWNSIZING, PRIMARILY BEING MORE RECOIL, HARDER TO HOLD ON TO, SO WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

[bradshaw]

Dec 24, 2022 7:29:49 GMT -5 45MAN said:

I CAN THINK OF DISADVANTAGES OF DOWNSIZING, PRIMARILY BEING MORE RECOIL, HARDER TO HOLD ON TO, SO WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

*****

More hands fit the K frame grip than fit the N frame. In naked silhouette, neither is friendly to sharp, heavy recoil. The K frame adapts better to wrap-around grips without excess length between front & back strap.

Huge hands may disagree. Standing erect, Bill Jordan breathed thinner air than most of us, and his hands proportioned his tall, square frame. Yet he favored the K frame for his lightning fast draw. He said he tried the 4-inch M-29 for a while. Steve Herrett fashioned wrap-around grips for Bill’s K frame Model 19, which made the back strap a continuous arc. I had Herrett make me the Jordan Trooper for my M-19, albeit not as full as Bill Jordan’s.

For shooting magnums from a K or N frame, best protection to the base of my thumb comes from Pachmayr rubber (neoprene?), my first choice the Pachmayr Gripper, second choice the small Pachmayr Presentation.

Note: while reducing velocity, a shorter barrel aggravates shock to the base of the thumb. My M-29 8-3/8” survived the stiff west-to-east Kansas wind to pull Top Revolver at the 1978 IHMSA Internationals. S&W had given me a set of uncheckered rosewood Magna scales, and I had taken to shooting them. Came across photos a while back which show the base of my thumb taped up. Nuts, what we put ourselves through in the service of pleasure. (To give an idea of the wind, the long red range flags streamed straight out from the pole; you couldn't hear range commands; spotters shouted to their shooter. Panic took hold of some shooters. My M-29 started on rams (200 meters) with 14-clicks left windage. Before finishing on rams, the Sierra 240 JHC demanded 18-clicks left, plus 1-foot left Kentucky.)
David Bradshaw

[needsmostuff]

Dec 24, 2022 7:29:49 GMT -5 45MAN said:

I CAN THINK OF DISADVANTAGES OF DOWNSIZING, SO WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

I believe Jovino's plan was all about concealment. He was making back up guns for his LE customers. They were not looking for comfortable range guns.
The one I had came with Pachmayr Compac grips on it. They covered the weird angles resulting from the grip re-shape.
For me, not a comfortable gun to shoot.

[wpeel]

Dec 24, 2022 7:29:49 GMT -5 45MAN said:

I CAN THINK OF DISADVANTAGES OF DOWNSIZING, PRIMARILY BEING MORE RECOIL, HARDER TO HOLD ON TO, SO WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

This is being contemplated primarily for concealment purposes.  I've always wanted a big bore snub...and my Charter Bulldog Pug in .44 is just too rough.  If I could get it as smooth as my S&Ws, this story would end.  I've massaged my Model 25/5 into buttery smoothness, so it would be ideal for this application.  No problem holding onto any revolver I have, and I'm no stranger to recoil.

[bushog]

Smith 696..

[needsmostuff]

At least equal in importance for consideration is how short to crop the barrel.
In my opinion, Jovino and those making similar snubs cut them a little short. True they were looking for ultimate short, but many made the ejector rod lock dysfunctional in doing so. If you follow the Jovino mold that simple 1/4 to 1/2 inch necessitated installing a ball lock in the crane.
On my gun I would have been just as happy if the extra snout had been left on. A 2 3/4" N frame is still pretty pug nosed and handy.

[strawhat]

Dec 24, 2022 20:37:19 GMT -5 wpeel said:

Dec 24, 2022 7:29:49 GMT -5 45MAN said:

I had a Lew Horton Model 29-3, 3”, 44 Magnum.  It had the round butt and short barrel. The toughest part of concealing that revolver, for me, was that short barrel. I wear OWB holsters and there was not enough barrel to keep the grip frame into my side. 

Going to the 4” barrel gave me the right combination of length and concealment. A proper holster is a must. 

Not sure how long the barrel on your S&W Model 25-5 is but I would recommend 4”.

Kevin

[wpeel]

Kevin:
My 25/5 is currently in six inch trim. (I'm starting to have second thoughts about the conversion.) I think an adequately stiff and thick belt, coupled with a pancake style holster would address any issues with the gun wanting to tilt away from the body. Thanks for your reply.

[wpeel]

(Tried to delete a double posting)