Getting Pachmayr Gripper Grip onto model 19

[jamesallen]

Has anyone figured out how to get a Pachmayr Gripper grip for round butt K frames (#03266) onto a new model 19-9 in those cases where the mainspring blocks the screw hole?

Some reviews of that grip complain that the mainspring is in the way of the screw, and the grip cannot be installed. If you look at a picture of the grip, you can see that the screw hole is far forward of where it is on other Pachmayr grips, like the Compac (03270).

I have that exact problem trying to install the Gripper grip on my 19-9. I can't get it on because the mainspring is in the way, whereas the Compacs fit perfectly. I was wondering if anyone has discovered any solution or trick to getting the Gripper grips on, other than just using some other model of grip. it would be sad to not be able to use it, since the grip seems to fill my hand perfectly.

 

[NCBeagle]

I had the exact same problem last week. Just assumed that the grips were defective.

 

[minconrevo]

Perhaps contacting the grip maker, with a pic of the interference issue, is in order. Also be certain that the correct grips found their way into the packaging. There will be writing inside the grip to indicate what gun it is intended to fit.

 

[Ameshawki]

Run across that with other grips as well. I have a set of Trausch grips that fit my 64 just fine but won't go on my 681. Grips aren't quite a precision device, plus subtle differences in grips and springs and well, these things happen..

 

[gwpercle]

Give a shout-out to Pachmayer ... Lyman must now own them because Pachmayer Grips are shown in the Lyman Catalog ... I still have printed catalogs ...I'm old .
Do a search on the name Pachmayer Grips and see if you can get an address ... if not start with Lyman Lyman: Meeting the needs of shooters and reloaders
Gary

 

[jamesallen]

I had the exact same problem last week. Just assumed that the grips were defective.

Well apparently that entire model is defective. I tried two separate grips. One was a new one, and the second was an old used one from ebay which was in good condition. I thought that maybe the old ones were made better and would fit fine, but nope, I had the exact same problem with both grips.

 

[toad67]

IIRc, there were some Pach's that had a screw that was thinner in the middle, to allow fitment around the main spring, are your screws like that, or are they the same diameter all the way?

 

[NY-1]

Give a shout-out to Pachmayer ... Lyman must now own them because Pachmayer Grips are shown in the Lyman Catalog ... I still have printed catalogs ...I'm old .
Do a search on the name Pachmayer Grips and see if you can get an address ... if not start with Lyman Lyman: Meeting the needs of shooters and reloaders
Gary

Pachmayr has been owned by Lyman since the late 1990s IIRC. Production moved from California to Mexico under them and overall quality along with fit noticeably declined. It's a shame considering I vastly prefer Pachmayr's checkering, medallions, and slight squishiness over Hogue's ugly monogrip. But the Hogues physically fit guns much better compared to new production Pachs.

 

[minconrevo]

A 625-2 Model of 1988 in .45 ACP that I once owned had Pach's from the factory. The grip screw was reduced diameter in its middle under the grip. Once the action was tuned a bit, the mainspring was interfered with by the screw when trigger was pulled DA or SA. I ended up drilling a new screw hole in the grip and filling the original holes with some blue RTV. Something of this sort may be what's required for your 19 if you still want to use your Pach's.

 

[jamesallen]

be certain that the correct grips found their way into the packaging. There will be writing inside the grip to indicate what gun it is intended to fit.

That is an excellent suggestion. I did in fact check and it does say "Round K"

 

[jamesallen]

Run across that with other grips as well. I have a set of Trausch grips that fit my 64 just fine but won't go on my 681. Grips aren't quite a precision device, plus subtle differences in grips and springs and well, these things happen..

It is strange. I know that the grips fit some people's K frames, but I guess revolvers are different enough that they fit some, and not others. Who woulda thought?
Now the grips I have are also Trausch, except without the "u" and without the "c."

 

[jamesallen]

IIRc, there were some Pach's that had a screw that was thinner in the middle, to allow fitment around the main spring, are your screws like that, or are they the same diameter all the way?

The screw that came with the grips I have are thin in the middle, but even so, I still cannot get it on. The mainspring still pushes it over too far.
I tried two different grips, one brand new, and one an older one from ebay with no medallion, and they both had the same screw that was thin in the middle, and they both had the same problem fitting on the gun.

 

[jamesallen]

A 625-2 Model of 1988 in .45 ACP that I once owned had Pach's from the factory. The grip screw was reduced diameter in its middle under the grip. Once the action was tuned a bit, the mainspring was interfered with by the screw when trigger was pulled DA or SA. I ended up drilling a new screw hole in the grip and filling the original holes with some blue RTV. Something of this sort may be what's required for your 19 if you still want to use your Pach's.

Based on everything I've heard and read from people who had the same problem, it looks like the solution you suggest is the only one there is.

 

[CajunBass]

I had forgotten about it, but now that the topic has come up, I had a set of Pachmyers that were like that. I even forget what gun they were supposed to go on. I guess it explains that set of Pachmayrs in my junk drawer. Can't use them, won't throw them out. Haven't bought any more.

 

[SChief454]

I had the gripper grips on my 19-9 and they fit fine but ended up changing them out. When I tried the Compact Pro's the fit was unacceptable with huge gaps at the bottom and back of the grips. After two pairs I called customer service to complain and all I got was send them back for a refund. When I suggested that the grips were probably no longer made in the US the rep got a little testy with me but I still think they are made in Mexico or China. I went to the Diamond Pro grips which fit perfectly and get the job done.

 

[jamesallen]

I had the gripper grips on my 19-9 and they fit fine but ended up changing them out. When I tried the Compact Pro's the fit was unacceptable with huge gaps at the bottom and back of the grips. After two pairs I called customer service to complain and all I got was send them back for a refund. When I suggested that the grips were probably no longer made in the US the rep got a little testy with me but I still think they are made in Mexico or China. I went to the Diamond Pro grips which fit perfectly and get the job done.

I have read many reviews of these grips where people say the same thing: they try to contact the manufacturer about the fit problem and are greeted with condescension or dismissiveness.

 

[Beju]

They didn't work with my 64-7. Haven't tried them on my 10-6.

 

[jamesallen]

They didn't work with my 64-7. Haven't tried them on my 10-6.

If you get a chance to try them on the model 10, let us know how it works. It seems they fit on some guns, and don't fit on others.

 

[Beju]

It worked on my 686-6, but I've got a Wolff Power rib mainspring ("standard" power") and an extended strain screw in it, so that may not apply to other L frames.

 

[kaaskop49]

If you get a chance to try them on the model 10, let us know how it works. It seems they fit on some guns, and don't fit on others.

Amen. S&W offers a pretty nice RB/K grip on some of their guns, the modern 686+, for example. Yet it doesn't fit on my older RB/K 64 and 10 snubs. The original Pachs from the 70s seemed to be better made and fit grip frames precisely, a hit-or-miss with current production.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103