FYI, Craig Spegel’s grips are highly sought after and has very long wait. Anyone that want one of those would have to wait a looooong time.
Steyr, I know that’s not what you’re looking for, just a public announcement.
Good luck on your search.
And all is right with the world…
Thanks to a M4C member who wasn’t in love with the factory grips on his 629, I went from this one which was sporting some custom reprofile grips I wasn’t in love with…
To this, which is exactly what I wanted.
And for a much fairer price than the $200 everyone with a pair of vintage N frame grips wanted.
Don’t know why I love N frames so much, I had a S&W 19 and it has it’s advantages, but I actually do so much better with an N frame .357. Only problem now is I have to start running stages with a .357 wheel gun…again. Which is sorta dumb, because I’ll never carry it…especially with those big target grips on it.
Doesn’t matter, I wouldn’t want to put the excessive holster wear on that old S&W finish anyway.
And for those looking close, yes somebody did polish up a 28 resulting in a faux 27 but I don’t care. I prefer a “no frills” N frame with a pretty blue anyway. Eventually I’ll get a 27 marked 27 for the stable, but no hurry, especially at prices vintage Smiths are going for. Wow.
My goal is about a dozen P&Rs with 27s, 29 and 19s of various barrel lengths.
Congrats, glad you were able to find what you wanted.
I like both sets of grips pictured.
What is the story on the gold logo and lettering? Part of the tarting process or something specific to that model?
28-?
You had to qualify from special ninja seal school back in 72 to earn a gold stamp Smith, but I can’t talk about it.
Seriously, I imagine whoever redid the finish on the 28 decided to gold letter things as well. Looks nice so it doesn’t bother me.
For those who don’t know, 28s were the Highway Patrolman and a non fancy production model with matte finish version for law enforcement that were a little more affordable.
Ha!
Pick yourself up a set of these and change your user name to Ponch.
But then I’d have to live in a trailer.
Call it going MOBILE!
Are you truly free if yer house ain’t on wheels?
Been working on that goal for about 20 years. Glad I started before things got crazy.
Actually sold a few as N-Frames got crazy. Have regrets… these are the aspirational guns our Dads had.
There are deals out there. Just bought a factory nickel 27-2, 6"
Still looking for the elusive 5" 27 P&R.
You are NOT kidding. What was a $1000 handgun only 10 years ago is now $2000 or more. It’s kind of astonishing really. Just damn glad I snagged my 29 with 8 3/4 barrel back in the days when a excellent example could be had for under $1000.
Today…don’t even bother. I think the reissues are driving up prices of vintage originals just like the Colt reproductions selling for $2000 drove the price of SP1s into the stratosphere.
Also damn glad I have my original Colt Python, prices for those aren’t for the faint of heart.
Saddest part of all is the old “Smith & Wesson” forum was solid information and great deals in the For Sale section, today the new forum is a bit lacking in basic info and prices are a joke. Everyone thinks they have a $5k crown jewel.
$200 for vintage grips? I had an identical set except for a K-frame sitting unused in a box for 25+ years that I gave to an M4c member who collects older revolvers. I’m happy he put them to use as I almost forgot I even had them.
Quite a few affordable options for K frames, but yeah legit N frames in perfect condition are going pretty high. If you ever want a chuckle pop over to GB and do a search.
Here’s how nuts it is. Had an 6-1/2" 29-2 with box and docs unfired.
A few years back I traded that 29 and $300 for an SR-15 E3 mod1 with maybe 50 rounds down the pipe and all the factory stuff. This was when you could buy a new SR-15 for just over 2 grand.
Guy trading it to me was very happy. So was I.
eta: just went back and looked. Wasn’t a few years back was 2014 but still, crazy values for top condition N-frames even back then.