I was going to sell my mother's S&W 15-2 but had an epiphany. My MIL was griping about a Colt Python she's lusting for but you can imagine the cost. I asked her if she wanted the gun and she readily accepted.

I'm stoked because the revolver will have a home that appreciates it but there is one issue.

I think it was a police trade-in. The only reason my mother purchased a firearm is that she had been brutally mugged. This has significant holster wear. The function is probably as good or better than the day she bought it. The heavy double action trigger pull my retired crew chief triggeer pull sensing finger indicates around 11-12 pounds. The single action is sweet but I don't want to estimate...only it's obviously much less than the double action.

I realize the gun isn't woth a whole lot to anyone else. I'd like to maximize her enjoyment and appreciation though. I may send it back to the mother ship for rebluing and possibly a trigger job. My question to you - What new grips would you recommend for an 80 year old woman? The old wooden ones are serviceble but I thnk she could handle the firearm better with Hogue's or something to absorb recoil a tad better. Once again, I thank you guys for your wisdom!

If she has small hands and is not recoil sensitive, the Magna stocks with a grip adapter may be best. You can always start her with softer loads too.

Rubber stocks may make the grip more secure but many (like the Hogue Monogrip) have no cushioning for the rear strap.

With larger hands she may do better with a padded rear grip frame but these make the trigger reach pretty long.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks, I'll check out the Magna grips and adapter!

And ammo makes a difference in her comfort. Standard velocity SWC or even target WC ammo will work pretty well and make it a more viable platform for her to shoot.

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NHI, 10-8.

If you can find Uncle Mikes rubber grips give them a try. They are relatively slim with a slight Coke like shape. They cover the back strap but are a much better fit for smaller hands than Pachmayrs.

Beware, they are out of production and are developing a following. The K-frame square butt Uncle Mike's grips are not too hard to find. The K-frame round butts are much harder to find and can command a higher price than some new rubber grips.

Your 80 year old MIL is lusting for a Colt Python? I think mine lusts after papier-m*ché horses.

I'd start with some of that 90 grain pink-tipped Hornady stuff (if you can find it). Very light recoil, even lighter than 148gr wadcutters.

Soft grips are fine, but if they're too big and she can't get leverage on the trigger, it doesn't really help. A small grip that allows lots of finger on the trigger is the way to go in my opinion. A Hogue or Pachmayr might not be ideal.

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Psalm 27:2

I'd leave the gun as is. I'm guessing its for home defense? Its a tool, it doesn't need to be pretty. Refinishing will only add cost and who knows how long it'll be away?
As for grips, this is a very individual thing. it depends entirely on the person's hands and what is comfortable to them.
I will second Suburbanite's recommendation on the old Uncle Mike's/ Butler Creek grips. These are my favorites for defensive revolvers. Not so much for the rubber, although it does help cushion recoil, but they fit my hand perfectly. In fact, several ladies I've helped out with guns like 'em a lot too.
However, those grips are long out of production. They can be found, but you might have to search a bit.