Anyone ever see a grip frame roll pin hole this much off center? I originally thought this was just an out-of-spec grip, however upon further review and tests with at least 3 other "control" grips, I have come to the conclusion that the roll pin hole is positioned about a "pin" forward of where it should be. This positions the grip slightly forward and results in a backstrap that is exposed much more noticably than I have seen in ANY of my other S&W's.

Is this a common irregularity?? See photo: Upper 629-1 & grips is as it should be, Lower grip frame exposed uniformly along the backstrap.






Thanks
IC

This is not a common problem, and I have only seen this happen once before. Before doing anything, make SURE that the roll pin is not bent. If it is, then replace it.

I know you said that you tried different grips, but before doing and machining on the revolver I would try some Factory standard grips on the gun just to double check.

If after re-checking everything you confirm that indeed the pin is in the wrong place, you have a few choices.

1) The gun can be sent back to the Factory and they will have to weld the hole closed and re-drill it in the proper spot. This will more than likely also result in the gun being re-blued.

2) If you choose not to go that route, you can either have custom grips made for the revolver, or modify existing ones. This would obviously have to be done with each different set of grips you install on the gun. This is a bit of a P.I.T.A. but does work OK.

NOTE: AGAIN, CHECK FIT WITH THE ORIGINALS FACTORY GRIPS PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY SURGERY!

Chief38

i have seen grips with the hole in the wrong place on the wooden grips.
if that is the case just glue in a wooden dowel in the hole and remark the new hole and carefully drill, don't get oversized with the drill.

Swap the grips between the two guns to see if it's the grips or the frame.

For the wood to be that far off at the top it seems like the roll pin isn't the only thing out of spec. If it was only the pin then the top would be matched more than that while the bottom was off. That looks like the back of the grip frame wasn't fully milled before it was finished.

Like many things in life, I could be wrong.

Additional: Similar but not exact problem. This occurring on a set of "J" square butt Combat stocks. If the pin is in the hole on left panel the top would not seat to frame, had to place the silver washer in its proper location and force the stock in place at the bottom, this, of course widened the pin hole just enough to seat properly. Nothing as serious as the situation you illustrated but may be an example of a quality control problem either with the stock producer or the revolver manufacturer. Or it may be just enough variation between the early square butt to the more recently produced which likely could cause this to happen also!
I'm very glad it worked for these stocks are not as often seen for sale separately as the Target and Magna styles.

__________________
Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

A simple solution!

Bob,

This is a very good observation and something that I noticed as well. If the pin hole were the culprit, then only the bottom would be off. As you mentioned, the frame is exposed through the entire vertical length and you also can note the upper grip area not matching well with the frame either, about where the web of your hand would fall.

Unfortunately, I do not have my dial calipers handy and will have to take some measurements with those to be 100% certain that the under milled backstrap is causing the problem.

I am certain that this is not simply a poor fitting grip as I have tested this gun with a few other grips and all exhibit this same overhang. The thing that mystifies me most is how this made it out of the factory like this since it is very obvious when one looks at the gun.

Thanks
IC