How do these grips fit my Model 34-1?

Double-O-Dave · Sep 6, 2013

Good evening:

I need some advice regarding these new grips I purchased, and installed on my Model 34-1. Recently, I took the Model 34-1 out of the safe to shoot, and decided I wanted to shoot it more often. I was surprised to find the stock revolver is not comfortable to shoot. So I changed the stock, narrow/serrated trigger out for the wide/smooth trigger. The factory grips that are numbered to the piece are also uncomfortable, so I've removed them and safely tucked them away in storage. I bought a set of Pachmayr rubber combat grips, and while they fit and feel well, I just think the little revolver deserved some classier looking grips.

I found the set pictured below on the on-line auction site we all know so well, and got them at what I think is a fair price - just a bit under $25.00. I believe they are a Herret-style grip, but don't know if they are real Herrets, or a copy, as there are no markings of any kind anywhere on the grips. Also, I wonder if they fit properly as seen in the photos. below. What do ya'll think? Any advice or suggestions?

Regards,

Dave

feralmerril · Sep 6, 2013

They do "look" like herrets. No, I dont think they fit well but I belive a talented person could make them fit. I belive they are worth the $25 bucks.

redlevel · Sep 6, 2013

The stock Magnas and a Tyler T-grip is the way to go with a j-frame. I have an old set of Herrets almost identical to those I bought for a Model 36 Lo, these many years ago.

they defeat the purpose of a small-frame, inconspicuous pocket pistol as far as I'm concerned.

Raider · Sep 6, 2013

The gaps bother me a bit but a little time spent with a file and sandpaper could make them fit better. They are worth $25 if you like them.

Charlie

LoadedRound · Sep 6, 2013

Dave

They appear to be Herrett's Shooting Stars.

I'm thinking they're warped a bit. You may improve the fit by carefully sanding the inside surface. Just put a piece of sandpaper on a flat surface and work the face where the 2 halves mate up.

If the inletting isn't right this won't help, but you might try a little and see if it helps.

Good Luck.

-db- · Sep 6, 2013

Yes, they're Herrett's Shooting Stars. From the first few pictures showing a shape and color difference, it looks like you may have a couple mis-matched panels, hence them not mating properly.

Alpo · Sep 6, 2013

redlevel said:
The stock Magnas and a Tyler T-grip is the way to go with a j-frame. I have an old set of Herrets almost identical to those I bought for a Model 36 Lo, these many years ago. they defeat the purpose of a small-frame, inconspicuous pocket pistol as far as I'm concerned.

True, but then, a Kit Gun is not an "inconspicuous pocket pistol", it's a "lightweight holster gun".

Double-O-Dave · Sep 6, 2013

Thank you to everyone who has responded. I realize the fit of the grips is not perfect, but they sure feel good on the revolver. I believe the comments that the stocks may be warped, and/or mismatched may be accurate. I believe I'll follow the offered suggestion of carefully sanding the grips on a flat surface to see if I can get a better fit. I really want to get out to the range to see how it shoots now that I've changed out the trigger and grips. Book report to follow - again, thanks to all of you and your help and advice.

Regards,

Dave

mr.jbk79 · Sep 6, 2013

My 34-1 has a set of J frame targets. I love the looks, and even with slightly larger hands, it makes shooting this revolver more fun than I thought.

artemis · Sep 7, 2013

I have both the S&W Target grips and stock grips and for my purpose to carry a .22 as ‘Kit Gun’ I use the original grips when I put this firearm as a part of ‘Kit’.

LoadedRound · Sep 16, 2013

Hi Dave

Just wondered if you had any luck with those Herretts.

Regards.

Larry from Bend · Sep 16, 2013

These are Herrett's Shooting Stars on my -1 (round butt).

Double-O-Dave · Sep 16, 2013

LoadedRound said:
Hi Dave

Just wondered if you had any luck with those Herretts.

Regards.

Hi LoadedRound:

I simply have not had time to mess with them yet. In fact, I haven't even had time to shoot it since my modifications (new grips, change in triggers). The grips feel good, and I guess I'd like to try to fix the fit just because I think I could do it with just a bit of work, and end up with a nice looking little revolver.

I'll post photos with results.

Regards,

Dave

LoadedRound · Sep 17, 2013

Thanks Dave

Looking forward to it.

s&wchad · Sep 17, 2013

The grips may be fine, the problem COULD be the grip pin in your gun. Grip pins are press fit into the frame and I've seen where the pin stuck out further on one side than the other, causing one grip panel to not fully seat.

Pull the grips and see if the pin is centered in the frame. If it's not centered, judicious use of a hammer should correct the problem.

Double-O-Dave · Sep 17, 2013

s&wchad said:
The grips may be fine, the problem COULD be the grip pin in your gun. Grip pins are press fit into the frame and I've seen where the pin stuck out further on one side than the other, causing one grip panel to not fully seat.

Pull the grips and see if the pin is centered in the frame. If it's not centered, judicious use of a hammer should correct the problem.

Excellent point. Thanks for the idea, S&WChad. I'll look into this and report back.

Regards,

Dave

shep854 · Sep 18, 2013

I consider my 34 cheap practice for both J- and K-frame guns; when I got it, I also scored a Pachmyer grip that gives the feel of a K-frame--it's like two different guns for one!

My M34 and M49 with the various grips:

Double-O-Dave · Sep 19, 2013

s&wchad said:
The grips may be fine, the problem COULD be the grip pin in your gun. Grip pins are press fit into the frame and I've seen where the pin stuck out further on one side than the other, causing one grip panel to not fully seat.

Pull the grips and see if the pin is centered in the frame. If it's not centered, judicious use of a hammer should correct the problem.

S&WChad: Well, I pulled the grips off of the Model 34-1, and the locating grip pin is not centered (please see the enclosed photos). By my best measurements, there is a difference of 0.05" in the height of the grip frame pin. Do you think this is enough of a difference as to cause the grip halves not to mate up like they're supposed to? If so, what is the best way to reduce this difference? Any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Dave

s&wchad · Sep 20, 2013

Double-O-Dave said:
S&WChad: Well, I pulled the grips off of the Model 34-1, and the locating grip pin is not centered (please see the enclosed photos). By my best measurements, there is a difference of 0.05" in the height of the grip frame pin. Do you think this is enough of a difference as to cause the grip halves not to mate up like they're supposed to?

If the grip pin that's sticking up is on the same side as the grip panel that's not fully seating, it very well could be the problem.

Double-O-Dave said:
If so, what is the best way to reduce this difference? Any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Dave

s&wchad said:
Pull the grips and see if the pin is centered in the frame. If it's not centered, judicious use of a hammer should correct the problem.

Use a small hammer and smack the pin with increasing force until it moves. You should be able to eyeball it.

Green Frog · Sep 20, 2013

Two observations;

1) At $25, it would be worth a little work to "make" them fit... they may not be perfect, but they should perform perfectly for you.

2) The only factory S&W "Target" stocks I like are those for the J-frame, and the only guns I like them on have 4" or longer barrels. A 4" Model 34 and a pair of factory Targets are a match made in heaven, IMHO.

The foregoing is all my opinion and probably worth about what it cost you, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Regards,
Froggie

How do these grips fit my Model 34-1?

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