Hogue Wooden Grip Problem with Installation

[haris1]

Hello All:
I hope this is the correct section to post this in
I need your help on my problem. I own Many Hogue Wooden Grips
for 25 years and store them indoors and all are side by side without heavy things on top of them.

I started selling them and to make picture taking easy, i removed the locator pin on the grip frame and slid them on the gun in seconds for the picture.
After one buyer informed me that the grip was really hard to get on, i discovered with the locator pin installed the grip met lots of resistence when sliding it on.
I have made a tiny split on one myself see picture(Arrow drawn to the problem area



Do these grips shrink over time?
The solution that one member gave me is to take a little off the locator pin with a dremel until it would slide onto the grip
easily
Also The grips that are round to square Conversions have been problematic in this regard
Any Comments would be greatly appreciated

 

[Jcon72]

I can confirm a similar problem when I tried installing a pair of N-frame round-butt Hogue hardwoods that I purchased from a reputable person almost a year ago. That particular situation didn't seem to be related to the locator pin but the wood was too snug on the frame itself and it broke out a chunk at the same exact location as depicted in the picture above.

 

[Vtgw938]

I have found Hogue monogrips normally fit very well. I recently got a vintage set that was very tight. As with anything the rule is don't force it. I simply removed a small amount of wood with sandpaper. I don't have any of the newer ones.

All wood shrinks and swells to some extent. I have many sets of factory grips screwed together with a piece of wood or a shell casing between the panels. If I handle them now, they are all loose, assuming I put them together in the summer. If you have painted paneled interior doors you probably have seen this effect.

Of course there are variations in the frames as well which I have also noticed.

 

[Fishinfool]

Recently I put a new set of "fancy hardwood" from the factory on my new Anaconda. The fit was extremely tight. Tried taking them off just the other day, and no go. I guess if I smacked them hard enough, but don't want to risk splitting the wood. Its a good thing I like them, because I guess they are staying on...

Larry

 

[Protocall_Design]

The locator pin that the stirrup fits on is easily moved side to side. If the grips are hard to get on, usually it's because the pin is sticking further out from one side or the other. The pin needs to be centered in the grip frame.

 

[wproct]

I have had this set on my 617-1 for over 10 years, no shrinking or any issues. The grips fit this revolver perfectly, very snug but not over tight. I did have another Smith & Wesson revolver, a 686 I think, and the same grips were very tight on it and I came close to splitting them out in the same area mentioned, but I didn't try to force it so they are still good.

 

[GypsmJim]

I switch grips often just for fun, and sometimes because I'm going hunting, or then back to target shooting. Never had a problem with a Hogue or any factory grips for that matter.

My only grip problem happened TWICE with Thailand grips. They refunded my money, but I assure you they will never have to refund me again.

 

[Jcon72]

I have had this set on my 617-1 for over 10 years, no shrinking or any issues. The grips fit this revolver perfectly, very snug but not over tight. I did have another Smith & Wesson revolver, a 686 I think, and the same grips were very tight on it and I came close to splitting them out in the same area mentioned, but I didn't try to force it so they are still good.

Is that tulipwood in your picture? Very pretty.

 

[wproct]

Is that tulipwood in your picture? Very pretty.

Yes, they are Tulipwood, thanks and I am partial to them. I have another set in that wood on my 64-2.

 

[Jcon72]

I have a couple of them, too, both by Hogue. One is a set that I just recently picked up for a Blackhawk.