Help Identifying what looks like a birdshead type target grip
- Thread starter Just_Me2
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More accurately, it may be a conversion grip for a gun originally configured as a birdshead to reshape it to a square butt...The cutout portion could be for a strain screw, but it's original purpose is unknown to me... 
...Ben
...Ben
I believe you're correct. Good call!
No, not Colt 1878. I had one and the contour is not the same and the slot for the mainspring screw is set too low. Also, the stock screw is set lower and more to the rear of center on the Colt, but appears to be centered on the walnut stocks which would interfere with the mainspring action. Back contour looks different as well. Lastly, the front lower corner of the Colt is perfectly a 90 degree turn where the walnut stocks turn upward. I believe those stocks fit a revolver with ears at the top. Too many brands to know for sure.
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Thankfully I have a spare set of grips for an 1878. I see your point on the mainspring screw on the frame being covered up, but what if it was meant to be covered? Does this photo move us closer to, or farther away from a Colt 1878 ID?
In my opinion the gaps around the butt-frame are much to large for it to be used on a Model 1878. There was a manufacturer named Herrett that made stocks that had checkering similar to what you show that started business in 1953, but does not help identify what gun that set fits.
I think what is seen as a main spring screw adj hole in the front may just be where the wood was cut too thin at one time during a refit/refinishing job.
The area punched through and then was cleaned up a little to make it more presentable looking.
It still doesn't have that 'drilled' or cut out appearance. Kind of rough around the edges and quite low for an adj screw.
A clue to reworking the grips may be on the LH panel. Look at the checkering pattern in the extreme lower LH corner (pic#1).
That area was gone over to recut a few checkering lines and not with the same quality of skill as the rest of the work.
The wood likely (IMO) was shaven down in that area removing the checkering and then the lines recut along with their over runs.
That slimming of the wood may have included the front grip strap of the grips and done the thinning of the wood leading to the break-though appearing as a screw adj hole of sorts.
The grips inletting do have some appearance to fitting some of the early English revolvers, A Webley New Model Army No.5 is close, but the rounded top area is not quite right.
Maybe something like that or othr foreign made as far as the firearm they fit.
The area punched through and then was cleaned up a little to make it more presentable looking.
It still doesn't have that 'drilled' or cut out appearance. Kind of rough around the edges and quite low for an adj screw.
A clue to reworking the grips may be on the LH panel. Look at the checkering pattern in the extreme lower LH corner (pic#1).
That area was gone over to recut a few checkering lines and not with the same quality of skill as the rest of the work.
The wood likely (IMO) was shaven down in that area removing the checkering and then the lines recut along with their over runs.
That slimming of the wood may have included the front grip strap of the grips and done the thinning of the wood leading to the break-though appearing as a screw adj hole of sorts.
The grips inletting do have some appearance to fitting some of the early English revolvers, A Webley New Model Army No.5 is close, but the rounded top area is not quite right.
Maybe something like that or othr foreign made as far as the firearm they fit.
Definitely not for a Ruger single action birdshead.
One would just have to take them to a gunshow and compare/try several models with round butt grip frames to find a fit. And if you do find a fit, maybe a buyer for them as well.
One would just have to take them to a gunshow and compare/try several models with round butt grip frames to find a fit. And if you do find a fit, maybe a buyer for them as well.
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