Altamont Grips -

Altamont K L frame grips seem to have some variation. One target stock (purchased for a 686-6) needed some fitting at the backstrap. The stock was too high.

One combat grip ( for a 686-6 ) fit perfectly.
 
No problems with 3 different Altamont sets on mine.
Have them on 1911's as well.

They loosened up when I put them on an xframe but no surprise there.
OP did you try to ask Altamont about your issue?
 
OP. I don't know where you got your grips from, but every pair I have bought directly from Altamont has come with several different length screws. I have never had a pair that was ill fitting more than any other mass produced grip, and not that needed tweaking to be useable.


Pine_Worker said:
I have several sets, both K and L. My problem is the fit is so tight that they are difficult to remove, which is a good thing. No play or slippage here.
Click to expand...

You can use the screw as a button to push the opposite grip out.
Just back it out enough so that the head is above the grip panel, and use it to push the other side free.


My problems with Altamont are more in that the grips look too perfect, and just not quite right on a classic gun. I also am not a fan of hot gluing the medallions in place.

The lines are all cut perfect, and the checkering is all sharp and uniform.
 
If I remember correctly, I've put Altamont round butt to square butt target conversion grips on at least 2 K frames, 1 L frame, and 1 N frame. Maybe the N frame grips were just square and not round butt conversions. Regardless, all were good fits and required no shimming or shaving.
 
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I have one pair that was on my model 36. Fit is awful, I took them off and put a pair of Hogue rubber grips on. The gun doesn't look dressed for show but it's more comfortable to shoot now. Maybe some day when I get bored, I'll try to modify them so they fit better.
 
No problems with Altamont so far, but I've encountered tight grips from other manufacturers. It's always wood grips, which makes me wonder if maybe sometimes the wood contracts just a little bit in storage.
 
I purchased a set of them for an N-frame a few years ago and they were junk. First thing out of the box the screw retainer fell out and they were ill-fitting. I know some folks like them but I would t buy another Altamont product.
 
Most of my Altamont grips fit good out of the box.
But I have had some J frame grips that I had to return twice before they got it right.
They have 2 or 3 customer service people that will answer the phone.
I can't remember their names now, but one was very helpful and was was absolutely worthless.
 
Unless you send the gun to the grip maker to be fitted ... there is no way a "perfect" fit can be guaranteed ... it's just impossible !
I have learned to perfectly fit grips to frames with a little epoxy stock bedding compound or brown colored epoxy putty .
It's not hard and solves all the things you are complaining about .
Gary
 
gwpercle said:
Unless you send the gun to the grip maker to be fitted ... there is no way a "perfect" fit can be guaranteed ... it's just impossible !
I have learned to perfectly fit grips to frames with a little epoxy stock bedding compound or brown colored epoxy putty .
It's not hard and solves all the things you are complaining about .
Gary
Click to expand...


This. It's been what I've preaching in this thread
regarding "sizing." So many posters don't seem
to realize their individuals guns can vary from
the "spec norm" of a particular era.
 
I have a set of Altamont grips for my 66 snubby and another for my 686+. The fit is great for both.
 
I have several altamont grips they all fit tight and look good.Once when ordering i asked about extra pins and grip screws and they sent me assortment for free.Happy with altamont's but sometimes only culina's will do.
 
Never had a problem with Altamont. While we all
realise that Culina is the best, Altamont makes a
an attractive alternstive, if you're concerned about price.

Altamont is the official wood grip supplier to S&W. I've always found them to be quite helpful
in accommodating customers. Their customer
service is great whether its advice or problems.
Doug is the premier customer service/sales guy.
Call and ask to speak to him.
 
I had a notice from Altamont
that it was out of the model I
odered. Asked if I wished to
wait. I said no. Refund on
CC came immediately.
 
I have Altamonts for three of my five j's. A variety of styles and wood, and all fit tight and feel good. Medallions, however, were a problem. I ordered two sets with medallions, and they came with the medallions off center left-right, and had to be returned. They were replaced quickly, and are fine now.
 
UncleEd said:
I had a notice from Altamont
that it was out of the model I
odered. Asked if I wished to
wait. I said no. Refund on
CC came immediately.
Click to expand...

I had a similar experience. When I ordered Altamont grips for my Smith & Wesson Victory I got an email back telling me that the particular grips that I ordered had laser engraving and stippling and were made to order only and said that it would be a 4-6 week lead time and said that if I chose not to wait that they would refund my money. I told them I was fine with the wait and I had them in my hands in just a little over 4 weeks. In my opinion they are a class act company and strive to make the customer happy.
 
Toyman said:
i posted these photos in another thread I started about ill fitting grips on an new 327. I contacted both Altamont and S&W about the issue. Altamont replied first advising try S&W then they would see what the could do.
S&W advised they are ordering me a new set of grips. I don't think this will help and I tried the grips on a 21-4 round butt N frame and the fit correctly. The problem seems that the top of t he 327 frame is a bit shorter than other N frame round butts. The first photo is 327 2nd is the 21-4.
lF6CYB0.jpg

rKnalMI.jpg
Click to expand...

EXACTLY the reason I took them off my 3" 686+ 3-5-7 series. Those points dug into the web of my hand in a way that made shooting .357 magnums a literal pain. I've seen this a many Altamonts. For whatever reason they don't follow the contour of the backstrap. As for looseness, never had an issue with the locating pins in their proper holes.
 
Jason Demond said:
You can use the screw as a button to push the opposite grip out.
Just back it out enough so that the head is above the grip panel, and use it to push the other side free.
Click to expand...

Gotta be careful when doing that, as there is the risk of pushing the threaded escutcheon out of the opposite grip, if the grip is on really tight on the frame, and the escutcheon fit in the grip is not so tight.

I've done it, and then needed to glue the threaded escutcheon back into the grip because it would no longer stay in place, as it is a friction fit.

A better way is to remove the grip screw and then use a long punch or screw inserted in the grip screw hole to push on the underside of the opposite grip panel.

Basically the same principle, except you're pushing on the solid grip, instead of the escutcheon in the direction that pushes it out of the grip.
 
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