New smith wesson 586 square butt question

[Vicvocj1]

I have several Smith Wesson K/L frame revolvers pre-lock with the square butt, these came with the original SW wood stocks. I plan to purchase the new Smith Wesson model 586 L frame that also states has a square butt.

My question is, will the old grips for a pre-lock square butt fit the square butt frame of the new model 586.

[brassburnz]

I have several Smith Wesson K/L frame revolvers pre-lock with the square butt, these came with the original SW wood stocks. I plan to purchase the new Smith Wesson model 586 L frame that also states has a square butt.

My question is, will the old grips for a pre-lock square butt fit the square butt frame of the new model 586.

The dimensions of the frames and grips were not changed by the introduction of the lock. A square butt grip for a newer model should fit fine on an older model.

[DEPUTYBILL]

It is strange, I thought all L frame Smiths came with round butt configuration?

[SJZ_Katsu]

As someone who's owned a -8 and a no-dash at the same time, they do "mostly" fit. I found I had to stuff some folded cardboard in my -8 grips when I put them on my no-dash, but they fit my -8 perfectly, while the no-dash was a tight fit on the -8, but could be worked on.

[kurac]

They will fit, but there is a lot of variation in S&W grip frames even in the same frame size. Plus now that they have machine operators and not machinists, I notice a lot of the grip frames even have a tapper or one side is machined deeper than the other, probably from operators not blowing out the chips and or not wacking them in the fixture with a soft faced dead blow after they are clamped.

[shaunbowler@yahoo.com]

I have a S&W .357 four inch Barrel. I thought mine was a 587. Examining the R now, I can not find a "Number."
What is the difference between a K Frame and an L Frame?
I have wanted to change my "Grips" since Day One. However more than a few friends have told me DO NOT. What do you Folks think?

[Vicvocj1]

Depends on what model SW you have. If your revolver has a pre lock hole above the cylinder latch then you have an older model that has a square butt and manufactured around the 80's and 90's. However there are a few models that are pre lock that have the round butt frame manufactured I believe after 2000.

Older model pre locks K and L frame have the same size square butt frame. I believe the new model with the locks 586 and 29 are square but while the others are round butt.

Changing your grips is strictly your personal preference whether it be looks, feel or whatever. Change your grips because you want to and not because your friends say so...that is your personal choice.

[Calif Hunter]

Just save the old grips in case you ever want to sell.

[goglesby3]

The L-frame is beefer at the yoke and top strap, some K-frames cracked there after a couple thousand rounds of full load magnums.. The guys on the S&W forum will give you all the details...