I wish I could find these grips

[DeplorabusUnum]

I bought a 27-2 from another forum member here. The grips that came on it were on it when the seller bought it. I love them because they fit my hand much better than all my N frame target stocks, but I've never really seen grips this size. I'm wondering if someone manufactures and sells them like this, or if someone just took a sander to his N frame grips and went to town. Here are some pictures of the grips on the 27 vs the grips on my model 19.

Here is the 27:

Here are a couple of shots of the 27 next to the 19

Anyone recognize these grips, or are they custom alterations?

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[ars1876]

Looks like someone modified the original stocks to make it fit their hand. A common practice. I've done it myself back in the 70's before I knew better.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

Looks like someone modified the original stocks to make it fit their hand. A common practice. I've done it myself back in the 70's before I knew better.

I'm curious what the downside is, other than maybe lowering the re-sale value? I kind of want all my grips like that, but I suppose spending $20 on a set of Hogue rubber grips is a smarter approach.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

I did that to several K Frame and N Frame target grips for guys on my PD while I was one of the firearms training officers. I still have mine for my Model 65 and Model 58 as they make double action shooting much better and more accurate. Both important for a carry firearm.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

I did that to several K Frame and N Frame target grips for guys on my PD while I was one of the firearms training officers. I still have mine for my Model 65 and Model 58 as they make double action shooting much better and more accurate. Both important for a carry firearm.

The downside is value... but not if you start with a beater set that is already devalued. I've done a few sets myself. Not only are the stockers too big for my hand, I think they look too big on a lot of guns.

The set on the left is a nice stock set of smooth target presentation 2x4's. The set in the middle was modified by me. I think I paid $70 for the set on eBay. They were dinged and chipped, but the dings and chips are gone after I got finished modifying. I have a real set of Ropers and use them as a pattern... palm swell and all. The set on the right are Herretts targets and they are much closer to the perfect fit for me.

Interesting. I feel a new project coming on. So do you just strip them and then sand them course grit down to fine grit? I'm really curious. I'm sure there are youtube vids. Any warnings or tips appreciated.

 

[mikerjf]

Grip making is fun, and starting from scratch makes them cheaper. There’s a learning curve of course, mostly in fitting. It can be done with hand tools but power tools and fixtures will speed it up.

Learn appropriate use of different grades of sandpaper.

Think about finish up front.

And yes, sometimes a $20 rubber set is better,

 

[BAM-BAM]

Made several sets like that in the 80s for K-frames..... taking 3/8" off the bottom really get rid of a lot of unneeded bulk.

 

[Murdock]

I recall Jeff Cooper referring to the illogic of "a great trumpet shaped butt" on S&W target stocks of the 1970s, on an otherwise trim and powerful M19 or M66.

Being Cooper's disciple at the time, I modified three sets of smooth targets back in the 1970s, and stil have one for an N frame. Here it is on my old, pre-28 Highway Patrolman. Quite comfortable.

Do it in a manner that pleases you, but be careful about taking too much off the bottom, as that weakens the wood below the frame and it will easily chip there. If I ever re-do these, I will make the wood flush with the butt to eliminate the problem entirely, leaving no wood below the frame.

 

[gwpercle]

I have modified a bunch of oversize Jay-Scott aftermarket grips , N frames and K frames ... seems our local gunshop stocked them ( 1970's ? or so) they weren't expensive and the Zebra Wood looked nice ... for some strange reason I never "customized" the S&W factory grips , labled what revolver they went to and stashed in gun box .
Thank Goodness for the inexpensive Jay Scott's ... I would have probably ruined every factory set ...They have called me Bubba !
Gary

 

[PeteC]

There are alternatives to sanding down factory stocks. Herretts, Ahrends, Altamont and plenty of other sources. A smooth pair of Ahrends grips would be similar to what you can achieve by sanding down factory Target stocks, slimmer and shorter.

Ahrends grips on a Model 19-P, factory Targets on a Model 15:
(the 19-P is a red-headed child of the Model 19 family w fixed sights)

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

I recall Jeff Cooper referring to the illogic of "a great trumpet shaped butt" on S&W target stocks of the 1970s, on an otherwise trim and powerful M19 or M66.

Being Cooper's disciple at the time, I modified three sets of smooth targets back in the 1970s, and stil have one for an N frame. Here it is on my old, pre-28 Highway Patrolman. Quite comfortable.

Do it in a manner that pleases you, but be careful about taking too much off the bottom, as that weakens the wood below the frame and it will easily chip there. If I ever re-do these, I will make the wood flush with the butt to eliminate the problem entirely, leaving no wood below the frame.

I like the looks of those grips! Nice work.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

If you never took wood shop class in jr. high school, this might seem daunting

I use a table top disk sander and belt sander to get the bottoms even and flat. I use a dremel with a drum sander to shape the body of the grips how I like. When the shape is close, then use various grits of sandpaper to do the final shaping and smoothing. I use tung oil for the finish, but there are many fine choices for finish products.

I did take wood shop in school, and have some power sanders and a dremel. One thing in my favor is I already have a set I like that I can take measurements from. I'm already looking for some old beaters to modify. I think this will be a fun project.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

There are alternatives to sanding down factory stocks. Herretts, Ahrends, Altamont and plenty of other sources. A smooth pair of Ahrends grips would be similar to what you can achieve by sanding down factory Target stocks, slimmer and shorter.

Ahrends grips on a Model 19-P, factory Targets on a Model 15:
(the 19-P is a red-headed child of the Model 19 family w fixed sights)

I do like the look of the Ahrends, and another member mentioned Herretts as well. They look like a good size for my hand. Thanks for the pic. Overall, I'm not a super fan of Altimont stocks. For some reason, to me they just look plastic.

 

[s&wchad]

Just a thought...

Go ahead and modify away. They’re your stocks and it’s your money...

I’ve owned 3 sets of Cokes that were altered to fit a K frame. At the time, I’m sure the owner had them on hand and thought it made more sense to modify them instead of spending another 6 or 10 dollars. I sold 2 for under $100 each after disclosing what they were to the buyers. I ‘m currently using my last set on a K-38 Masterpiece.

S&W made stocks are already 30 years old and increasing in value. Every modified set increases the future value of my unaltered specimens.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

Go ahead and modify away. They’re your stocks and it’s your money...

I’ve owned 3 sets of Cokes that were altered to fit a K frame. At the time, I’m sure the owner had them on hand and thought it made more sense to modify them instead of spending another 6 or 10 dollars. I sold 2 for under $100 each after disclosing what they were to the buyers. I ‘m currently using my last set on a K-38 Masterpiece.

S&W made stocks are already 30 years old and increasing in value. Every modified set increases the future value of my unaltered specimens.

I see your point, and can't really disagree, but for the most part my S&W guns were never bought as an investment. I bought them for enjoyment. They put a smile on my face when I'm out shooting them. I just enjoy them more when the stocks fit my hands. I'd never try to modify a good set of stocks. A beater set though, sounds like a fun project.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

I would certainly never carve up a set of smooth rosewood presentations from the 1950's or the 1960's, this set came to me this way. In spite of the fact that they are ruined, they are still one of my favorite sets of grips.

They are vintage, warm, comfortable, and look right on the 27.

Gorgeous stocks, and I can tell from looking that I would like them better than the originals.

 

[PeteC]

Go ahead and modify away. They’re your stocks and it’s your money...

Now you are just teasing the rest of us mere mortals

There used to be a company in CA (I believe), called Mustang, that made smooth oversized walnut grips in laquer as well as unfinished. Perfect for a project I always thought. I will try to find my one example of those tomorrow, but one can usually find some on ebay for under $50.

 

[PeteC]

@DeplorabusUnum: Here you go, one set of Mustang walnut grips. Good for a project at half the price of S&W factory stocks on ebay... you don't even have to sand away the checkered panel, and they definitely won't look like plastic

 

[snowman]

I always am struck by our differences in taste, preference, fit, etc., etc., etc. To me, the original S&W target grip in either K or N frame is the best grip ever made. I like the length, breadth, fore and aft dimension, and the way it fits my hand. I believe that I shoot better with them than any other that I have.

So if any of you don't care for them in their original configuration and don't want to modify or keep them, send them my way!

Regards,
Andy

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

@DeplorabusUnum: Here you go, one set of Mustang walnut grips. Good for a project at half the price of S&W factory stocks on ebay... you don't even have to sand away the checkered panel, and they definitely won't look like plastic

OK, give me some details.