Anyone have experience with changing out the medallions on a set of finger groove combats? Or does anyone know of a tutorial online?

I assume it's not like splitting an atom but would like some guidance in the matter.

Thanks

i apologize in advance for not being any help, but i tried to remove a nice set of old colt medallions from a set of police positive grips dating from the mid-30s. i never did get them out! i finally was afraid that i was going to damage them, so i gave it up.

SO! i would be interested in any info on the subject, also!

Anyone? Having a hard time beliveing that with the wealth of knowledge here that this has no replies.

Do they have the metal washer on the inside or is it just wood? The only ones I've removed had the washers and I took a dremal tool with a grinding stone. Grind off the stamped/braded medallion stem so you can take off the washer. Then push the medallion through. You might have to grind the stem a little more. Take it slow and don't force anything.
Someone else may have a different way but this has worked for me.

How are the new ones secured to the washer? Are they just ground down and held in place by the bur?

The original factory grips were put into a special press that peened (forming a rivet head) the medallion stud securing it to the washer.
On a non-factory new medallion job, an epoxy or some sort of glue is the solution............
use your imagination. Remember to be neat and clean and don't get in a hurry - trial fitting is important.

I do not want to hijack this thread, but I asked the same question in another post and still have not got an answer.
I am wondering if there is anyway to remove the medallions from the grip and install them on another set of grips?
If you have to grind the stem down, can it be re used?
What is the best way to go about re using them?

cobra44, the simplest and easiest way is just glue them into place. I have used JB Weld but I'm sure there are alot of glues that would work.

As I read your post, I have the understanding that an ORIGINAL S&W grip w/ medallions will have the washer... Is that correct? Or, did S&W have alternate methods as well?

Rather than removing medallions from existing grips and risk ruining the medallions and rendering those grips worthless, I suggest purchasing nos medallions which can be found on E-Bay and sometimes on this forum. (I sold a beautiful pair here for $15. a while ago) Now you only face the challenge of installing the new medallions on your grip of choice.

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Some of the earliest "washers" started in prewar grips.
The washer eventually disappeared from the grip all together to save money ( I presume). It was replaced with a half moon {shape} just milled into the wood itself. The medallion was still mounted in similar fashion with a rivit head to secure it.

I may not need to replace any of my medallions after all. What I was seeing was the clear coat or resin that had changed colors over the years.

After reading a thread on how to strip the grips, I soaked them in acetone to get the nasty colored resin off.

These three I just finished refinishing these with six coats of Tung oil, I think the medallions look pretty good after the acetone bath.

Anyone know what kind of wood the lighter grips are made of?

Thanks guys.

We've had a running joke about this wood for some time.
Apparently there were times where the Wood Dept. couldn't get the good stuff from S. America.
An employee went to the loading dock and broke up some pallets

Nice job on the refinishes.

That's funny! They are a bit more porous than my other ones, who knew pine could look so good...lol