Normal for wood grips to have a little wiggle?

Gorenut · #1 08-16-2011, 01:14 PM

I've always used synthetic grips on my revolvers.. so never noticed.. but recently been using wood on my 627 and noticed there is a very slight wiggle. I admit it does bother me as it makes the gun not feel as stable however slight that wiggle may be. Just curious if this is normal. Recommend anything to help cut out that wiggle?

ImprovedModel56Fan · #2 08-16-2011, 01:34 PM

I can't remember for sure which S&W revolvers I may have had that on, but it does happen occasionally. I once had a Charter Arms Bulldog with a great set of grips which did that. I shaved down a wooden matchstick to the right size shim and glued it INSIDE the errant grip panel. Problem solved.

Gorenut · #3 08-16-2011, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Model520Fan

I can't remember for sure which S&W revolvers I may have had that on, but it does happen occasionally. I once had a Charter Arms Bulldog with a great set of grips which did that. I shaved down a wooden matchstick to the right size shim and glued it INSIDE the errant grip panel. Problem solved.

I think whats causing that little wiggle room in mine is due to the nature of how the grips are fixed on. They're the Hogue Monogrips that are affixed with the adapter that attaches on the bottom (to convert em to square butt).

47D · #4 08-16-2011, 01:56 PM

The wooden grips from Ahrends are as snug a fitting grip as I've ever encountered.

ImprovedModel56Fan · #5 08-16-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gorenut

I think whats causing that little wiggle room in mine is due to the nature of how the grips are fixed on. They're the Hogue Monogrips that are affixed with the adapter that attaches on the bottom (to convert em to square butt).

It's not the nature of thr attachment method itself - I have several Hogue grips, and have had several more, both the original which required stock pin removal, and the later which don't. None of them failed to fit perfectly. But that's only half a dozen or so. I would recommend that you be sure that you have slid them carefully all the way up and that you have tightened the screw reasonably tight, and if they don't fit right then, call Hogue.

Dragon88 · #6 08-16-2011, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gorenut

I think whats causing that little wiggle room in mine is due to the nature of how the grips are fixed on. They're the Hogue Monogrips that are affixed with the adapter that attaches on the bottom (to convert em to square butt).

Do you have the stock pin installed through the grip frame? The stock pin extends into both grips panels and makes them very solid, but the pin is often removed to install rubber grips that use an adapter instead.

Gorenut · #7 08-16-2011, 02:40 PM

Thanks for the info guys. I contacted Hogue and Ken is helping me out to either resolve it or replace the grips. They're always helpful. Love the company.

Maximumbob54 · #8 08-16-2011, 02:53 PM

I just bought a used Hogue Monogrip that fit a little lose. I put a small piece of folded paper in the area in between where the trigger guard is and the top front of the grip area that meets the frame. No more wiggle. I MUCH prefer Ahrends. These were a mistake and may go up for a future clearing out sale.

wheelyfun66 · #9 08-16-2011, 03:09 PM

I have some Badger boot grips on my Ruger SP snub that have some wiggle room.

It does bug me, but I also think it allows for some "give" while under recoil...kinda like the frame flexing on a plastic-fantastic wonder-nine

I will take the advice given here, and add a shim to quell that.

Have a pair of Secret Service grips on a S&W 66 snub...tight as tight can be!

Gorenut · #10 08-17-2011, 07:57 PM

Just got an update from Ken at Hogue. Essentially told me that some PC models of S&W revolvers come with a frame thats ,015" thinner than usual. He's offering me either store credit or exchange of the same grips and wants me to give them the measurement of my frame so that they can make sure the one they send me fits. Thats great CS!

number0009 · #11 08-18-2011, 08:33 AM

It's natural for wood to warp and may be part of the problem. Shimming or the more difficult leveling the grip mating surface should eliminate the wiggle room.

G.T. Smith · #12 08-18-2011, 04:43 PM

I have a set of targets that don't have a washer at the top. When I was fitting them to the gun I noticed a small amount of movement in the right hand grip. I found that the radius of the wood where most grips have the washer was a few thousandths small. As I was refinishing them I simply kept applying coats of tung oil in that area until it was big enough to take out the slack. It worked and they have never loosened up.
I don't think wiggle is normal.
Peace,
gordon

Gorenut · #13 08-18-2011, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G.T. Smith

I have a set of targets that don't have a washer at the top. When I was fitting them to the gun I noticed a small amount of movement in the right hand grip. I found that the radius of the wood where most grips have the washer was a few thousandths small. As I was refinishing them I simply kept applying coats of tung oil in that area until it was big enough to take out the slack. It worked and they have never loosened up.
I don't think wiggle is normal.
Peace,
gordon

Thats actually a great idea Gordon. Thanks for that. I might do that rather than wait for an exchange/fitting.