Modifying K Frame: Sq. to Round Profile

Gary H · June 15, 2002, 11:03 PM

It has been suggested that a gunsmith could modify my wifes K frame S&W from square to round grip. Is this a difficult, or easy conversion? Is the end result a quality conversion, or a rough approximation?

George Stringer · June 16, 2002, 07:51 AM

Gary, I've done several over the years. It's not a "rough approximation". It's not all that difficult if you have the right equipment. To my eye the end result greatly depends on how the butt is refinished. Are the serrations straight and the same depth/length? Does the bluing match? etc. George

Gary H · June 16, 2002, 09:05 AM

Thanks George..

C.R.Sam · June 16, 2002, 11:03 AM

Gary.....I agree with George's assessment.

Has your wife tried a round butt K frame ? Some don't like em and some love em. They are different from round butt J frames. Good idea to try before leaping.

Sho do like mine. Even thinkin bout havin one of my beater N frames converted to round butt K frame configuration. That is a bit more involved tho.

Sam

9mmepiphany · June 17, 2002, 04:05 PM

i prefer the round butt K-frame due to the wider selection of grips available.

i once had a m-13 sq-butt that i wanted to convert and found that there is definately a "quick-n-dirty" way and a much "nicer" way.

q-n-d (actually the workmanship was very nice, just not very "factory" looking) consist of:
1. placing a set of rd-butt "magna" grips on the frame
2. scribing the outline
3. grinding the frame to match the grips
4. finishing off with files/stones
it gives you the right shape, fits all the correct grips and holds a tight budget.

the "nicer" way added:
1. completed/replaced serrations removed during grinding
2. re-blued frame
much nicer to looking, but not functionally different

June 15, 2002, 11:03 PM	#1
Gary H Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 2,267	Modifying K Frame: Sq. to Round Profile It has been suggested that a gunsmith could modify my wifes K frame S&W from square to round grip. Is this a difficult, or easy conversion? Is the end result a quality conversion, or a rough approximation?

June 17, 2002, 04:05 PM	#5
9mmepiphany Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2000 Location: northern california Posts: 1,092	i prefer the round butt K-frame due to the wider selection of grips available. i once had a m-13 sq-butt that i wanted to convert and found that there is definately a "quick-n-dirty" way and a much "nicer" way. q-n-d (actually the workmanship was very nice, just not very "factory" looking) consist of: 1. placing a set of rd-butt "magna" grips on the frame 2. scribing the outline 3. grinding the frame to match the grips 4. finishing off with files/stones it gives you the right shape, fits all the correct grips and holds a tight budget. the "nicer" way added: 1. completed/replaced serrations removed during grinding 2. re-blued frame much nicer to looking, but not functionally different __________________ the map is not the territory

June 16, 2002, 07:51 AM	#2
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Gary, I've done several over the years. It's not a "rough approximation". It's not all that difficult if you have the right equipment. To my eye the end result greatly depends on how the butt is refinished. Are the serrations straight and the same depth/length? Does the bluing match? etc. George

June 16, 2002, 09:05 AM	#3
Gary H Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 2,267	Thanks George..

June 16, 2002, 11:03 AM	#4
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Gary.....I agree with George's assessment. Has your wife tried a round butt K frame ? Some don't like em and some love em. They are different from round butt J frames. Good idea to try before leaping. Sho do like mine. Even thinkin bout havin one of my beater N frames converted to round butt K frame configuration. That is a bit more involved tho. Sam