New Smith & Wesson Classics....

[english kanigit]

Has anyone given a member of the new classic series a pounding and had problems with it?

I was visiting the range I used to work at today. I was attempting to mount a Hogue wood grip to my Smith M38. Unfortunately, Hogue forgot the replacement pin for the frame so I was trying desperately to make one.

Anyways, I'm ranting away when one of the guys pulls out a really shiny centennial. I see it and say to myself, "Hey, that's cool." At about the same time I see the grip safety and go all while commencing the drool-on-the-floor maneuver. The reason I was flipping out? It had no lock-out safety like all the new smiths. Here I am holding an original (according to my erroneous mind) M40.

After the manager thwacked me abouts the head with a cluebyfour I began looking. To me, the grip safety seemed a bit mushy but I have little experience with the safety hammerless design.


What I want to know is are these worth the money?

Ek

 

[Rule556]

How much was it? Their website lists an MSRP of $799, I think.

I'm really interested in these, too. I've always wanted one of the Model 40s, but I've never been able to find one around here. Maybe the local shop will get of the "classics" models in...

 

[OSXWrangler]

I'm a new gun owner. I just bought my first pistol - a Model 36 - 3" Color Case. I really like it so far. My dad has one of the older blue Model 36. It fits my hands and has the power I want.

I don't like the little authentic grip. It looks fine but is too small. I have found a Hogue grip I plan to order in a couple of weeks.

As for putting through a pounding... No I haven't. My dad's gun is the same as mine from all I can tell other than mine has a secret key/magic lock. Shrug... He has not ever had a jam, misfire, or any other troubles. He also doesn't take as good a care of the gun as I would.

A side note: A buddy bought a Ruger SP-101 .38/357 M when I bought my Model 36. We have shot each and I can say the S&W pistol has a much better feel and balance.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't like the little authentic grip. It looks fine but is too small. I have found a Hogue grip I plan to order in a couple of weeks.

If you like the looks of the retro Diamond Service grips like I do it would be a shame to replace them. Why not add a Tyler T-Grip to those beautiful Service grips and have the best of both worlds, the good looks with function too.

 

[OSXWrangler]

Cool beans Arch! Thanks. I had seen these but didn't know where to find them. I have not yet decided what to do about the grip. Whatever I do I plan to keep the pistol as original as possible, i.e., I'll box up and keep the service grip.

By the by, if I do choose the Hogue grip will the stirrup mount they provide damage/scratch the color case frame? I would expect so. Does anyone have any suggestions on to keep this from happening?

 

[XavierBreath]

OSXWrangler,
I liked the shooting qualities of my Heritage Model 15-9 so much that I put a rubber Hogue Monogrip on it permanently. I kept the original grips, but I figure if I'm going to be shooting the gun that frequently, it would be to my advantage to have my preferred grip on it. The Hogue Monogrip stirrup did not scratch the frame's case colors. After a while, the looks kinda grew on me, and I like the looks of it better with the Hogue grip now.

Kanigit, while not one of the new "Classics" I have had zero problems with my Heritage Model 15-9.

 

[OSXWrangler]

Xavier:

Thanks for the info. I had planned to leave the Hogue grip on the pistol. I only want to keep the original if I ever want to part with it. I expect it would be worth more complete and stock.

Your M 15-9 is a fine looking pistol. Wow! By the way, your blog looks interesting. I'll check it out.