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[Joe86]

Kind of obsure question but I figure someone might know the answer. I have a 1962 K38 Smith and Wesson with original wood grips. I want to replace the grips with Crimson Trace laser grips, either LC-306 or LG-207. I was wondering if Smith made changes to the screw placement that would allow or make this impossible?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Edited November 22, 2020 by Joe86
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[Garufa]

S&W grips do not screw into the frame, only to each other.  There is a pin at the butt that corresponds to holes on the bottom of the grips but the location of that pin has never changed.

Long story short, what you mentioned should fit on any K frame S&W ever made if that’s what they’re made for.  The only thing to consider is whether that is a round or square butt pistol, then there might be some incompatibility.

Keep the old grips (stocks in S&W speak) and don’t lose them.  If they are original one will have the serial number stamped on the back and are worth a small fortune depending on condition.  Either way, they belong with the gun.

Edited November 17, 2020 by Garufa

[Garufa]

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Edited November 17, 2020 by Garufa

[Joe86]

Ok I misspoke, screws go through the frame. My bad and I apologize.

of the 2 laser grips 1 is round butt and one is square butt, which is what I have.  
 

If the laser grips fit it is my intention to sell the original wood grips. Thank you for confirming that they are valuable l

[Garufa]

3 minutes ago, Joe86 said:

If the laser grips fit it is my intention to sell the original wood grips. Thank you for confirming that they are valuable l

I recommend you keep the original grips. The gun will be worth more with them that those CT things in the future (and now).

 

[hipower]

38 minutes ago, Garufa said:

S&W grips do not screw into the frame, only to each other.  There is a pin at the butt that corresponds to holes on the bottom of the grips but the location of that pin has never changed.

Long story short, what you mentioned should fit on any K frame S&W ever made if that’s what they’re made for.  The only thing to consider is whether that is a round or square butt pistol, then there might be some incompatibility.

Keep the old grips (stocks in S&W speak) and don’t lose them.  If they are original one will have the serial number stamped on the back and are worth a small fortune depending on condition.  Either way, they belong with the gun.

AND...Don't lose the screws. It's a pita getting those!

[gregintenn]

36 minutes ago, Joe86 said:

Ok I misspoke, screws go through the frame. My bad and I apologize.

of the 2 laser grips 1 is round butt and one is square butt, which is what I have.  
 

If the laser grips fit it is my intention to sell the original wood grips. Thank you for confirming that they are valuable l

The grips will fit.

I know a guy who’d be interested in the old ones.

[Joe86]

I’ll let you know once I get the laser grips installed

[Grayfox54]

Pictures please. What barrel length? Are they Magnas or Targets?  At that age they should have a diamond pattern cut around the grip screw holes. Makes a big difference in their value. There's a whole collector niche for S&W wooden grips. 

Yes, on the older S&W revolvers original grips make a huge difference in value. While you may see laser grips as an improvement, most collectors deduct quite a bit for anything other than originals. Keep the original grips and store them properly. If you ever decide to sell the gun, put the original grips back on it. You can sell the laser grips separately.