[mesinge2]

I am looking at getting a new hogue grip for my pre-36 model Smith & Wesson.

108365

But I can't tell if it is a round butt or a square butt. I think it is round, but decided to ask the experts.

108366

108367

[savit260]

round

[mesinge2]

Thanks, savit260.

[The Lone Haranguer]

With the grips removed, it is clearly a round butt.

http://www.defensivecarry.com/gallery/data/500/squareround.jpg

Square butt on left, round on right.

[KJS]

The difference is certainly very clear. I hope this question doesn't sound stupid, but why did/does S&W make the two different types? Is it just an issue of some people preferring one grip shape over the other?

[Tamlin]

I like square butts on my revolvers, and round butts on my women!

[zt77]

Round butts conceal better according to some. less print. They also recoil backwards more than wanting to point up.

[mesinge2]

I like square butts on my revolvers, and round butts on my women!

Ha, great.

[Oro]

I hope this question doesn't sound stupid, but why did/does S&W make the two different types? Is it just an issue of some people preferring one grip shape over the other?

As zt77 said, the round butts recoil more - the square butts provide more leverage for added control.

Until 1994, the routine was that MOST guns 4" and over got square butts and most guns under that got round butts - the theory being they were for concealed carry and the smaller grip would "print" less. There were exceptions to this rule but that was the general practice.

Starting in 1994 they simply made all of them round and used different grips to "convert" the round butt to the traditional square shape.

[The Lone Haranguer]

Starting in 1994 they simply made all of them round and used different grips to "convert" the round butt to the traditional square shape.
Which is why, if you're not sure what you have, you want to take the grips off.

[ArchAngelCD]

The first picture shows square grips even though your revolver has a round grip frame. Like the others have said, your revolver has conversion grips on it.

BTW, very nice revolver you have there... How does it shoot??

[mesinge2]

It shoots great, and I actually like the conversion grips at the range, but I wanted some better concealment grips.

This grouping is at 14 yards
108788

[ArchAngelCD]

but I wanted some better concealment grips.
Since you have a round butt revolver there are TONS of very good grips available. I like the "boot grips" made by Badger Custom (http://www.badgercustomgrips.com/smith_and_wesson_pistol_grips.php). They are priced right and they aid in recoil management. I have a set on my M642 and have the slightly larger J frame grips on my M640 because it's a .357 Magnum.

If you really like the S&W Service Grips (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&categoryId=45303&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=45302&top_category=45302) they are available from S&W for a very fair price. ($31.57)

[ArmedBear]

CDNN has a variety of J Frame grips at the moment, some for really cheap.

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/smithwesson1.html

[mesinge2]

Thanks, ArchAngelCD

I just ordered these:

108977

[ArchAngelCD]

Very nice.... I bought them in Rosewood to match the "combat grips" that came with my M640 but I like them all. I'm glad I could help out...

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/twins-1.jpg