1917 grips dilemma

[Joss House]

I've had this 1917 in my possession for more years than I care to remember. All that time it's worn a variety of grips but it's never had the original styled 1917 grips. The gun was refinished probably in the 50s or 60s. It's always worn the Magna style grips and the lanyard ring was missing. A couple of years ago I obtained the lanyard ring and had been on a search for a set of original or replica 'checkered or non' grips with no luck. I finally made a set of smooth walnut grips it but the fit just isn't right. I got carried away with the sanding. It seems that no one is reproducing the original style grips anymore. Does anyone have a set for sale, know of a source or can steer me in the right direction? I see there is a set of checkered Sile grips on ebay but the price isn't very appealing for Sile grips.

 

[Old_Cop]

Your grips look good to me.

 

[murphydog]

You can post a Wanted to Buy ad here:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/wanted-buy/

And these are for sale if you are inpatient (you don't seem that way) :

Smith & Wesson US Army 1917 Walnut Grips

 

[Hondo44]

Those grips are not bad! Don't even think about repo grips. Those that I've seen won't fit as good as yours do.

Advertise in this forum's classified section and make a search on ebay gunbroker, etc.

 

[opoefc]

Don't forget that if you want grips that are correct for your military 1917, there are two original factory styles, depending on the serial number. Early guns came with a "dished" top at the circle, later guns did not have this feature. Both were smooth walnut. 1917 experts may be able to tell you at what approximate serial number range the change was made. I'm an "observer", not an expert yet! Ed.

 

[JH1951]

I like the grips you have on it....
You did a good job on those.
They compare favorably with originals (below).
I don't think I would change them out.

 

[tenntex32]

Even if you find/buy a pair pf original stocks there is no guarantee they will ever fit correctly. Most of the time an ill fitted stock is a dead giveaway that it isn't original to the gun. (I have seen a few properly fitted replacement stocks but once again the fit is impeccable when done correctly.)

At that time in history they were hand fitted to match perfectly and a properly fitted stock from that era is a work of art in my opinion.

I can understand you wanting something more original though, but to be honest yours don't look to be too bad at all.

Now let's see more pics of that M1917!

Dale

 

[Joss House]

As you can see in the pics, each panel is sanded too short around the butt of the grips. Also on the left grip panel I sanded away too much wood in the area near the top closest to the trigger guard with metal showing. The right side panel has a fairly good fit.

 

[Old_Cop]

Put a grip adaptor on, it will cover your mistake and make the gun more comfortable to shoot.

 

[StrawHat]

Here is a 1917 with a grip adapter and Service stocks.

The second photo is a 1917 Commercial Model with Magna stocks and a grip adapter.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

Another thought, you did a very good job on the stocks you made. Yes, a couple of mistakes. I would bet that the next set you make won't have those flaws.

Kevin

 

[gwpercle]

Another thought, you did a very good job on the stocks you made. Yes, a couple of mistakes. I would bet that the next set you make won't have those flaws.

Kevin

Agree ...Learned from the first set ... second set will be a winner !
Go for it ... Do Over is allowed ...it's called experience !
The first set look pretty darn good ... you have the knack for grip making !
Gary

 

[murphydog]

Don't forget that if you want grips that are correct for your military 1917, there are two original factory styles, depending on the serial number. Early guns came with a "dished" top at the circle, later guns did not have this feature. Both were smooth walnut. 1917 experts may be able to tell you at what approximate serial number range the change was made. I'm an "observer", not an expert yet! Ed.

By report, the flat top stocks ended at about SN 25000.

 

[murphydog]

Another idea would be to ask the stock vendor if they would sell you slightly oversized panels that you would finish yourself? You seem to have the talent for this.

 

[MG34/bar]

I don't know where Sile grips/stocks are made, but I have them on several of the S&W model 1937 Brazilian revolvers and they seem to be made of good quality walnut and fit the pre-war N frames very well without any "fitting". The Sile stock circle even looks like the original S&W circle from more than a few feet away.

 

[Joss House]

I don't know where Sile grips/stocks are made, but I have them on several of the S&W model 1937 Brazilian revolvers and they seem to be made of good quality walnut and fit the pre-war N frames very well without any "fitting". The Sile stock circle even looks like the original S&W circle from more than a few feet away.

I wouldn't mind having a set of Sile grips at all, it's just the only ones I've found doing a google search were on ebay at a 'buy it now' price of $85. Most Sile grips go for less than half that price. I'm guessing the Sile grip company is no longer in business.