Original Centennial & Reissue m40 grip options

[dot6]

I have an original 1959 Centennial that I like so much that I bought a "reissue" model 40 for my wife. The problem is the skinny little grips on both leave a bit to be desired when actually shooting them, which we do fairly often.
I would like to get a set of Hogue Bantam (#61000) grips to try on one, but, from what I've read, they won't fit on lemon-squeezers.
Has anyone tried adapting them or have any suggestions on better handles for the grip safety models? I know I can resort to Tylers, but don't especially want to.

 

[S&W Rover]

I had a new model 40 -- and stupidly let it go. But... to your question: I discovered that other J frame grips would not fit, the hard way.

If I had it to do over, I would buy a set of cheap/cheap wooden grips on ebay and get out the dremel tool and sandpaper and make them fit, learning along the way. Then I'd buy a set of nice wooden grips and apply what I learned.

But I don't think rubber grips, e.g., Hogues and Pachmayrs, lend themselves to being trimmed and shaved to fit this gun.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I recommend a Tyler. Oops, just noticed that you already know that those aren't really what you are looking for.

Wooden or plastic J frame grips CAN be hand-modified to fit a Centennial. I did it once to a plastic set of grips (Precision Specialties Secret Service grips, or some similar moniker?). They were really good grips and worth the trouble. I also did the same to a Barami Hip-Grip, back when they sold only the right side. Had to fill them with epoxy before reducing the circumference for the frame cutout.

You might even consider a set of S&W J-frame Targets, or, if you are really lucky, a set of J-frame birdshead Mustangs.

Even if you buy two sets of old J-frame stocks and **** up one of them with a Dremel tool or a file, if you get one to fit, you're money ahead.

Go for it!

 

[M29since14]

Might call Hogue and ask them if this one will work.

Hogue Tamer Grip S&W Centennial Bodyguard Rubber

 

[dot6]

Thanks for the info. I had about decided to go with Tyler adapters, but then seen the thread that cast doubt on if the company is still viable or not, so I guess I'll hold off on that for a bit.

 

[dot6]

Rereading what Rover wrote, though, tempts me to go ahead and try a Hogue Bantam Grip. The backstrap is open on these, so maybe they can be whittled to fit.....or not.

 

[Bore Snake]

Dot6,

I was in a similar situation as you... and approached it close to what Rover suggested. Check the following out.

40-1 round to square conversion grip mod

Not blowing my own horn... but they turned out pretty well. Took about an hour,,, including taking the pics along the way.

 

[Bore Snake]

Sorry... double post.

 

[NCBeagle]

The current Smith rubber seems to work well on my 40 Classic.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bore Snake]

I recommend a Tyler. Oops, just noticed that you already know that those aren't really what you are looking for.

Wooden or plastic J frame grips CAN be hand-modified to fit a Centennial. I did it once to a plastic set of grips (Precision Specialties Secret Service grips, or some similar moniker?). They were really good grips and worth the trouble. I also did the same to a Barami Hip-Grip, back when they sold only the right side. Had to fill them with epoxy before reducing the circumference for the frame cutout.

You might even consider a set of S&W J-frame Targets, or, if you are really lucky, a set of J-frame birdshead Mustangs.

Even if you buy two sets of old J-frame stocks and **** up one of them with a Dremel tool or a file, if you get one to fit, you're money ahead.

Go for it!

That's pretty much the attitude I had.

 

[NorEaster]

I just picked up a 40-1 and discovered all J frames are not created equal. The radius of the half circle in the frame, in the top of grip area being smaller, tossed me a little off course as to my grip selection. I have a pair of grips on the way, and when they arrive, a little dremel work will be in order.

 

[NorEaster]

Got new shoes for my 40. They are just a little bit thicker than the originals and have more of a flat butt. They are J frame grips and using a washer of the same diameter as the round out area in the frame, I was able to mark them and remove the excess material so that they fit.