Model 317 22LR Kit sight and grip question:

[Firedude]

I have an older model 317 22LR Kit gun. It does not have the fiber optic sight like the current model, but the front sight is pinned. I'm thinking about either putting on a fiber optic, Trijicon, or XS Big Dot Sight. If anyone has any experience with this I'd appreciate any info.

It being a J Frame, I'm thinking about getting a different type of grip, something like G10 grips but all I'm finding are the sizes that are suitable for a 642/442. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[lscocoa]

My 317 is a round butt and where's a set of pro series grips from a m-60 and the 642/442 grips should fit fine . Mine also came with hi-viz front sight . I've changed sights on a 617 and a 629 . You'll need a #54 drill bit to drill the hole in the new sight but I would recommend scanning the gunsmithing section for past posts where you'll find pretty much a full description of everything to do the job , that's where I got the info to do mine .

 

[colt_saa]

I have had mine for just under 20 years now. My front sight is integeral to the barrel an not easily replaceable.

I am guessing that you have the 3" version. I think all of those had pinned front sights.

As to grips I picked up a set of the Factory rosewood because I think they look good. It is not like you have any big recoil to control

 

[jpage]

Installed a big dot on My 640, very easy to do. Drill from both sides and don't be in a hurry.

 

[gwpercle]

I can't tell you much about the sights, mine has the front fiber optic, which is fine. The shallow "V" rear , not worth a hoot. I'm hesitant to file on the rear sight ( I'm great at ruining guns with a file). I need to get a couple rear sight blades to work on, I've always thought a U notch would be just the ticket with that front round fiber optic.
But the grips , now that's something I know about. Any grips designed for a S&W J-Frame round butt will fit. I took the grips off my 22 kit gun and replaced them with the grips from a 38 special, model 637 , J-frame and they fit perfectly. Also tried a set of Ahrend's walnut boot grips, they fit on both of the round butt J-frames , 22 and 38 .
Gary

 

[Firedude]

Thank you for all of the responses. I was probably not clear on the grip question...I would like to get grips that are a little bigger then the ones that I'm finding for the J Frame 642/442s. They make some pretty neat looking J Frame grips but they all seem to be that "compact" size.

I just ordered a spring kit from Wilson Combat. The trigger pull on my 317 is pretty rough, so hopefully that will make it smoother (got a second one for my 642 also).

Thanks

 

[samwood]

For grips, S&W sells some extended length grips. One version, that comes on the Model 60 Pro Series, is wood and does not cover the backstrap. Another version, is rubber and fingergrooved, and covers the backstrap.

Some inexpensive wooden grips that cover the backstrap were manufactured by Jay Scott; often found on ebay.

The classic J frame target grips cover a portion of the backstrap and will give the round frame a square butt feel.

Herrett's grips RCR model is another extended grip that is not usually too hard to find used.

I'm fond of the extended "skullcracker" grips that were made by one of the forum members "SchofieldKid"

Hogue and Pachmayr make several versions.

There are several other versions out there; but these are just a few examples.

If you decide you want to try any particular style of grip, a "Want to Buy" inquiry on this forum will probably shorten your search.