Loose Herretts Grips

[just plain joe]

I hope someone who had been down this road before may be of some assistance.

I have a set of Jordan Trooper grips for my Model 15 S & W. As of late the grips have become loose. Despite tightening the grip screw, I still experience slight movement between stock and frame. This movement is best described as being "front-to-back", i.e., the same direction as recoil.

I have considered trying wood filler in the stock/frame area, but thought I would first look for suggestions here.

This is not a reflection on Herretts, as the stocks are approximately 38 years old and this platform served as one of my early service revolvers.

TIA

JPJ

 

[Tyrod]

I don't believe I would use regular woodworking type filler. That product doesn't have much structure and would most likely just crumble away very quickly or for sure over time. You could use something like Brownell's acraglass in one of it's many forms. It's a fiberglass reinforced plastic (GRP) which has structure. is very strong and lasts very long. Beware, acraglass is kinda messy and the user must follow the directions.

 

[Boxhead]

I have used Brownells Acra-Glass gel to solve exactly your issue.

 

[TAROMAN]

Many years ago I fixed a similar grip problem with an epoxy bedding compound from Brownells. Worked perfectly, but AFAIK, it's no longer made.
JB Weld is of a similar consistency and I'd use it without hesitation if the need should ever arise.
With plenty release compound, of course..

 

[stu1ritter]

I would call the folks at Herrett's and chat with them. Never known them to sidestep any problem with their grips, no matter how old or used they are.
(208)-733-1498

Stu

 

[riversalmon]

Have experienced similar difficulties on various grips , non- Herrett's. I have used a product used in the woodcarvers trade called Kwik Wood. It is a two part epoxy putty that comes in a stick like a Tootsie roll. Just snip off the required amount, place in void of grip where slippage is encountered, replace grip on frame. Product remains pliable for 15 minutes like clay. Be sure to mask all areas of the frame where it is not supposed to adhere. I use Scotch tape. Hardens and adheres beautifully, can be sanded.

 

[gwpercle]

It doesn't take much material to fix handgun stocks. A good substitute for a expensive special order rifle bedding kit is any kind of epoxy putty.
It usually comes in a stick or ribbon a strip is kneaded together to mix , and the putty will set up slowly and fully cure in 24 hours.
I had some from the auto parts store, for plugging holes in gas tanks, it was a perfect walnut brown color. My last job used JB Weld Epoxy Putty , grey color.
You want the epoxy to fill the gap that's allowing movement , you want the stuff to stick to clean wood but not stick to the gun metal. Wax the metal , 2 coats of automotive paste wax. You don't want the grips to stick to each other. You don't want the epoxy to show if you can help it, sometimes it shows...magic marker will color the hardened putty.
Use SPARINGLY , you can always come back and add more....too much and the gun and grips get all stuck together...my first job with Accraglass liquid did this , use putty. Fill the spaces with small amounts , assemble the gun and grips , then remove the screws and check to see that nothings getting stuck to together that shouldn't. Let harden, then test fire , add additional epoxy putty if required...
It is sooooo much easier to add a small amount than trying to do it all at once and getting the grips stuck to each other. And make sure to keep the screw threads clear...
Gary

 

[just plain joe]

"Thank-you" to each of you that responded and provided info. All was greatly appreciated. I ordered the "Quik-Wood" and will be taking that path.

I did contact Herretts and spoke with one of their reps. He recommended glass bedding of the type used on rifles. They are good people and will take the time to answer questions and provide assistance.

Nice to be able to come to this forum and interact with persons so knowledgeable on related subject matter.

JPJ