My Hogue Nylon Monogrip Adventure *Update Post #8*

[amd6547]

I have a Model 15-3 that is decidedly a shooter. Looks good, but reblued.
It came with PC Magnas, which I like with the addition of a T-grip.
Now, I am a grip experimenter, with a history of trying different grips, and a drawer of grips.
I like being able to switch grips for different uses. I've been looking for a larger grip for target shooting. I have a set of S&W targets, but they just aren't optimum for me. I didn't want to go rubber (don't mind them at all, just wanted something different.
Found a new nylon Hogue Monogrip on eBay. Price was right, so I got it.
First, you have to tap out the stock pin. Easy, but still...I like to be able change my grips.
The nylon grip was a bit hard to get fully on, but I was able to seat it with my hands, barely.
That's when I found the sharp edges which protruded up at the recoil shoulder, and the middle of the backstrap.
No problem, I thought...take it off and do some sanding.
That's when the fun began. I was unable to budge it. With a lot of effort and prying, I could barely move it a at all. It was like pulling on the sword in the stone.
I put it away, and decided to leave it for a week.
Today, I tried again. Tried everything I could think of, with no more luck than the first time.
So, I got out my Dremel with a cutting wheel. I cut a slot across the bottom of the grip from back to front, careful not to touch the bottom of the frame, but cutting through to the gap below the frame.
Then I pushed a large screwdriver blade in to the slot and pried the nylon apart till it snapped.
Goodbye Hogue nylon Monogrip.

 

[Frank237]

I recall those from MANY years back. I wonder if the reason they dropped them was exactly the issue you ran into? Also recall many folks balked at the install. Not everyone comfortable knocking out the pin, installing the stirrup, etc.

I had a friend give himself a good gash on the palm of his hand from the sharp edge while trying to install or remove a pair on a K SQ butt. No stitches but close.

I still have a set of them on an old M-36 RB 3". On that nickel gun they look exactly right. And they feel good too. NO idea if I could EVER remove them though.

 

[flagman1776]

My former service 66 still wears the nylon Hogue monogrips. I prefer them to the rubber. I found that during a cylinder full of (1978) full power loads, my hand shifted subtilely & at reload time the gun was more firmly in my grip than when I started. As opposed to any other grip I tried, where it was get a fresh grip every couple of rounds. I realize hands are different... my gun, my hands.
Those nylon grips must be old stock & I wonder of the effects of aging on them.

 

[linde]

It pained me to read your "adventure" with the old-style Hogue Monogrips . . . they really are a comfortable grip and there are some helpful hints to installing them.

I know it's a little late to offer suggestions to your dilemma but for others willing to try their hand with the old-style stirrup on nylon monogrips . . . here's what I found makes the job easier.

step 1 - put the Dremel tool away
step 2 - inspect the groove that the stirrup slides in to insure it is free and clear of obstruction or burrs
step 3 - apply a small amount of paste wax to the stirrup &/or groove to provide lubrication
step 4 - GENTLY spread the sides apart before attempting to install . . . a small wood wedge works well. The sides are pre-stressed to hug the sides of the grip frame tightly and the longer they are stored off a gun the tighter they become
step 5 - squeeze the stirrup tightly together and start it into the groove with the round portion of the nut facing down into the grip.
step 6 - remove the wedge and slide the grip "home".

This same technique also words well on the early-style wood Hogues.

Good luck,

Russ

 

[10xatten]

Goodby. Okay.

 

[Bat Guano]

Yeah, they are a bear to get on and off; but I like the nylon pebble ones. on Ruger Sixes. Just about the only finger groove grips I can stand, and from what I can tell, fairly indestructible.

No accounting for tastes, especially mine.

 

[amd6547]

Getting them on was easy enough, and they came with a nylon wedge.
It was getting them off that was the problem, and they had to come off due to the very sharp edges.
If they had fit properly, they might have stayed on it...I liked how they felt..
I have used, and liked a few hogue products...this was the only problem.
As for the Dremel, it made short work getting the dang thing off.

Old stock? I don't know. Hogue still makes them, and the packaging looked new.

 

[amd6547]

I sent Hogue a polite email regarding my nylon Monogrip experience. They happily offered me a rubber replacement. It arrived today, only a couple days later.
Superb service, bravo hogue.
I wish the nylon grip fit better, I think I would have liked it. However, I've used the rubber one before...my 3" GP100 came with the rubber Monogrip, and I shot with it befor replacing it with compact Lett grips. I did like how the GP shot with the larger grip, though.
I'm sure I will like it on my Model 15-3 fine.
I already installed it, and fit is perfect. I don't intend to use the Mongrip all the time. Mostly, my Combat Masterpiece will wear the PC Magnas and T-grip.

 

[Frank237]

Hogue is a first rate company when it comes to Customer Service. One of their guys is a regular over on the SIG forum, always helpful and informative. A few of their grip panels need to be modified if used on certain SIG models, X series, etc. They will do the additional cuts at no extra cost and quickly. FEW companies as big as they are...would do that today.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Sorry to hear of your experience! I really like the ones I still have on a few revolvers. Ran into the same thing you did and I found a sharp rap down and inwards on the bottom rear of the grip with a rubber mallet broke em free.