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zhoenixx
12-05-13, 11:00
This gun was given to me by my Father, a retired homicide detective. He carried it daily as his back up gun up while on duty and now I use it as my carry gun.

I was looking to replace the furniture with something with that offers more grip, but am having a hell of a time finding anything that will fit. Does anyone have an idea where I should look next?

Also, when I showed it to an employee at my LGS to see if he had any grips for it, he was extremely interested in acquiring it and asked what my price was. I would never sell it due to the story behind it and what it means to me, but any idea what it may be worth?

It has the original box, all the paperwork, and maybe has 100 rounds through it.

Please see the pictures in the link below for all the details.

http://imgur.com/a/n7YjN#0

Thanks!

SeriousStudent
12-05-13, 11:19
Can you help us help you, and define "more grip"?

Do you want larger grips? Do you want grips that are stickier, similar to Hogue or Pachmayr grips?

If you type "replacement grips smith model 38" into a web search engine, you will likely find a lot of answers.

If you want to find out what it's worth, plug the model number in to Gunbroker and search there.

T2C
12-05-13, 13:00
Round butt J frame grips should fit it. I like the rubber Michaels of Oregon, AKA Uncle Mike's, grips with the exposed backstrap. The wife likes the larger grips that cover the back strap for comfort while shooting.

The reason the LGS was interested in buying is because of the pinned barrel.

Mr. Smith
12-05-13, 15:22
Looks like an old 49 if so all the J-frame round but grips will fit.

Bruce in WV
12-06-13, 10:20
Image 7 - looks like 'Mod 38' marked on crane, plus images of box and owners instructions - S&W Bodyguard is a great little shooter, especially configured for CC. Lots of folks like CTC Crimson Trace laser grips.

Mr. Smith
12-06-13, 11:18
Sorry the 38 is an Air Weight frame 49.
A cool old gun

zhoenixx
12-06-13, 15:52
Thanks for all the help fellas!

zhoenixx
12-06-13, 15:53
Round butt J frame grips should fit it. I like the rubber Michaels of Oregon, AKA Uncle Mike's, grips with the exposed backstrap. The wife likes the larger grips that cover the back strap for comfort while shooting.

The reason the LGS was interested in buying is because of the pinned barrel.

What is the deal with the pinned barrel?

T2C
12-06-13, 23:48
What is the deal with the pinned barrel?

S&W eliminated the process of installing a barrel pin years ago. Some find the older wheel guns with pinned barrels collectable.

Slvr Surfr
12-06-13, 23:53
Tyler-Grips

http://www.t-grips.com/whiteivorex21m.jpg

titsonritz
01-13-14, 02:57
I just took a set of Pachmayr Compac grips off my 49 because I wanted something smaller. I'll hook you up with them cheap. PM if you are interested in them.

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/145531/pachmayr-compac-grips-s-and-w-j-frame-round-butt-rubber-black

staysafebob
01-13-14, 20:57
https://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/smith-wesson/s-w-j-frame

http://www.craigspegel.com/#grips

demkofour
01-13-14, 23:49
Nice pistol- congratulations!
There's folks on the www.smith-wessonforum.com that would love to read about and see your Model 38! Some would kill to acquire the box, let alone the pistol/box/paperwork and tools together!!!
And for lightweight, yet functional grips, give a look at the Hogue J frame Bantam grip...

PM me the serial number and I'll check the S&W Standard catalog to try to date the gun...

Dave James
01-14-14, 12:55
One of the best grips going for those are the older styled "Banana" grips from S&W, just long enough to help in control, and the latter ones where relieved for speed loader use,, or a fine set of STAG!!!

brushy bill
01-14-14, 16:17
http://www.precisiongunspecialties.com/hideout-main.html or crimson trace lasergrips

okie john
01-14-14, 18:58
This gun was given to me by my Father, a retired homicide detective. He carried it daily as his back up gun up while on duty and now I use it as my carry gun.

I was looking to replace the furniture with something with that offers more grip, but am having a hell of a time finding anything that will fit. Does anyone have an idea where I should look next?

Also, when I showed it to an employee at my LGS to see if he had any grips for it, he was extremely interested in acquiring it and asked what my price was. I would never sell it due to the story behind it and what it means to me, but any idea what it may be worth?

It has the original box, all the paperwork, and maybe has 100 rounds through it.

Please see the pictures in the link below for all the details.

http://imgur.com/a/n7YjN#0

Thanks!

Nice old revolver that's still a VERY viable carry gun. I have one of the newer versions and I carry it from time to time. If you opt for pocket carry, don't have any change in that pocket. A dime will just fit in the slot behind the hammer and tie up the gun.


Okie John

DanL
01-14-14, 20:36
I agree with Tyler T-grips. An old school cool 38 should wear them instead of new VZ's. Been using the Tyler's myself for over 30 years and don't see any reason to change now as long as they are available.

NC12215
01-14-14, 23:32
Tyler T Grips or Herrett's Detective stocks. Will make it shootable yet still be authentic to the era.

DocH
01-15-14, 14:41
One of the best grips going for those are the older styled "Banana" grips from S&W, just long enough to help in control, and the latter ones where relieved for speed loader use,, or a fine set of STAG!!!
Memories.Good ones.

zhoenixx
01-15-14, 20:24
Thanks again everyone!

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