I also found the tiny 'original-style' grips to be brutal to shoot with: I was very surprised by this as .45ACP ball is not a heavy kicking round. I sent my '17 back to S&W as the sideplate had been improperly fitted and also asked them to remove the lanyard ring. I was then able to use Pachs and other grips.

I found a set of service N-frame Magna stocks at a show and now the gun looks 'right,' lanyard ring aside. These grips are also more comfy to shoot with than the 'splinters.' I still cannot understand how this N-frame gun, light that it is, can kick so hard with ACP. Anybody?