Grips for M1917

[Otreb]

I have a 1918 dated M1917 revolver. It's in decent shape and used as a shooter.....and it shoots well.
Problem is, it has goofy Franzites that don't work especially well with the Tyler insert. I would like to replace these with a set of period correct style walnut panels

I'm looking at these...the Heritage grips (scroll down)
Handgun Grips | NFrame Square Butt = Smith Wesson

My concern is fit, will 'classic panels' such as these fit the Pre N frame guns as they do newer sq butt guns?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Nice looking 1917 but you have to understand it's been modified. I think some good aftermarket target grips would be good on it. Perhaps some Ahrends.

 

[Otreb]

Nice looking 1917 but you have to understand it's been modified. I think some good aftermarket target grips would be good on it. Perhaps some Ahrends.

Yes, it has been Bubba'd by the original owner; the front sight and trigger have been 'serrated', though at least it appears to have been done competently. The rear notch was opened up a little too.
I'm not concerned about it, I bought it for a good price and it shoots very well. I just want some period correct looking stocks.

 

[Muley Gil]

More than likely, the new grips will be a bit short. The pre war gripframes were a bit longer.

Personally, I would go with a pair of Magnas. They absorb recoil much better than the smaller service grips.

 

[Otreb]

More than likely, the new grips will be a bit short. The pre war gripframes were a bit longer.

Personally, I would go with a pair of Magnas. They absorb recoil much better than the smaller service grips.

That was my worry. I'm about to find out....worst case, I have a few other N frames.

 

[pdcrig]

Let us know how it goes and post pics of the final product. Good luck.

 

[LLOYD17]

The Thai target grips on ebay worked well for a 44 2nd that saw someone take a file to the rear of the grip frame. Much more comfortable than replacement smooth service stocks.

 

[Otreb]

Let us know how it goes and post pics of the final product. Good luck.

Okay, I ordered a set of "Heritage panels" in natural walnut, in uncheckered....you can get them with checkering too, I like the appearence of non checkered better as I can see the grain in the walnut better. This was from handgungrips.com in Altamont, illinois. Cost was $32 plus 6.95 shipping, priority. Order was dated late 9/18, they arrived 9/22.

This is the gun with the Franzites and Tyler insert. I considered the Franzites for their kitschy post war look...but it's a Pre war gun and the Tyler's don't fit well on them.

The walnut panels look pretty nice, nice grain to the wood, they look authentic except with the obvious lack of a century of aging.

Fit to the grip frame is a solid 'good' but not perfect. There is a slight 'proudness' along the backstrap, front strap is perfect and at the base it is just shy of flush....what would amount to an excessive bbl/ cyl gap for lack of a better description. Maybe .010 of metal past wood. Hopefully the pics will illustrate this, not much in the way of good lighting right now.
Frontstrap

backstrap

With Tyler in place

Overall, I'm happy with these panels. I wasn't shooting for collector grade presentation stocks, just something functional that gives the gun a better look and more authentic than the goofy Franzites. The Tyler insert also matches up to the frontstrap better, giving an improved grip on the weapon without any feeling of looseness. The panels fit the frame tightly with no play. Not bad for under $40 shipped. I figure they should add 50fps to my chrono numbers and knock a solid inch off my 10 shot groups at 25yrds.....my plan, anyways.

 

[STCM(SW)]

You should have checked out the ones I have for sale.
They fit my 1917 perfectly.
Even have a S/N stamped on them.....

 

[Otreb]

****, now you tell me.
Next time, right?