S&W 639 Question

[JacktheJarhead]

I purchased a very nice S&W 639 today. It is in great shape, very clean and has the letters SLPD 9 on the right side of the frame (assuming Saint Louis PD?). The question I have is, there are third generation grips on it. I figured it was a generation two because of the three letter model number. Anyone ever seen this? I would kind of like to get some original wood grips panels but this might be an early generation 3. Any information would be appreciated.

 

[EJFudd]

I purchased a very nice S&W 639 today. It is in great shape, very clean and has the letters SLPD 9 on the right side of the frame (assuming Saint Louis PD?). The question I have is, there are third generation grips on it. I figured it was a generation two because of the three letter model number. Anyone ever seen this? I would kind of like to get some original wood grips panels but this might be an early generation 3. Any information would be appreciated.

If it's a Model 639, 2-piece replacement grips for a first generation Model 39 (or second gen 439 or 539 or 639) should fit.

The question is: What did the previous owner do to the gun to make it accept third generation wrap-around grips. That is not a straightforward swap.

If he/she just modified the third gen grips to fit, you might be okay. Just buy the first/second gen grips of your choice.

If he/she modified the gun's frame to accept the third generation grips, you may be out of luck for a simple swap.

 

[JacktheJarhead]

Thanks. Have to strip it down and see what they did.