Pachmayr Gripper fitment issues (SOLVED)

[doctorj357]

Decided to put a used pair of Pachmayr Grippers on my K/square butt 10-8. Overall I love the feel of them, but the fitment at the front strap is, well, not fitting.


Is there anything that can be done to fix this? Remove some grip material maybe?

 

[sprscientist]

I've been seeing complaints over and over about gaps and fit issues with pachmayr's wrap-around grips. They don't have their molds dialed in. You could use an exacto and/or dremel to remove material on the inner surface of the grips to see if you can get the gap to close. For me, the gap in the picture would be unacceptable, and the surgery on the grips couldn't make things worse.

 

[snubbyfan]

Yup, had the same problem with a Charter Arms .22 Pathfinder.
The Pachmayr grips fit fine 'cept it had a gap on the front strap.

 

[ACORN]

Just curious, are they made in USA or Mexico. I’ve heard the Mexicans don’t fit as well.

 

[trailmix]

I use Pachmayr grips on several K frames with good luck. I have noticed that it is easy to overtighten the screw and slightly distort the grip. Maybe not an answer to your issue but worth a look.

 

[sprscientist]

I use Pachmayr grips on several K frames with good luck. I have noticed that it is easy to overtighten the screw and slightly distort the grip. Maybe not an answer to your issue but worth a look.

This is a great point.

 

[kaaskop49]

On such wrap-around grips, I've held some success by holding the 2 sides together with hand pressure and then tightening the grip screw. Sometimes smacking the grip where it contacts the backstrap can force the grip a smidge forward and may help seat the grip to allow it to close more fully. And, yes, the 1970s grips were molded finely and fit w/o any gaps.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[twodog max]

The Mexico made Pachs are severely lacking in quality. The last set I got gapped like that and I got them to close finally but cannot remember how. The next set of rubber grips I got were Hogue to avoid that problem.
Lyman products are under the same company umbrella, as I understand, I had bought a Lyman 66 receiver sight and the slide had so much play in it it was useless. Lyman never responded to emails about this. The rifle now has a Williams FP.
Quality at that shop is last priority apparently.

 

[Babysitr]

I have one set of K frame Pachs...took some playing with them,and they fit half way decent.....notice I said ONE set!

 

[OttoLoader]

Some polymers can be temporarily soften, more pliable by soaking in acetone.

Once soften, try putting the grip on the frame.

Once the acetone evaporates the polymer should return to it's normal properties.

Edited to correct many auto fill typos. Typos from using an Android.

 

[ShowMePro]

Maybe if enough folks take the grips back for a refund and not do surgery on them, Pach would get their act together.

 

[NY-1]

It's a shame how poorly modern Pachmayrs fit and how much cost cutting Lyman seems to have done. I much prefer Pachmayr checkering and medallions, and their softer rubber compound, over Hogue's comparatively ugly monogrip. Hogue fit is usually perfect though.

 

[John Patrick]

I bought a new set for an M66. Except for over flash that needed trimming, they fit fine.

I suspect OP’s grips are severely warped by over tightening the screw.

I would remove, drop in a pot of hot water till they are soft, put on a flat surface and weighted to get them flat again.

M66 with new Pachmayer’s.

 

[zonker5]

You might take a peek at the inside.

I have a set with S&W square molded into the grip, but when you take a look inside the grip is for a round butt. How they managed to get this screwed up I don't know.

 

[RoyM52]

I sent back several sets and they kept trying to find a good pair . The last set they just sent me a pair and told me to keep the other. I have had luck with the compac's for J frame.

 

[ExcitableBoy]

"USED PAIR..."

I'd bet a baker's dozen of donuts that they've either been exposed to too much heat or some kind of chemical that warped them.

I've never had a bad set of Pachs.

 

[doctorj357]

Well, its definitely a square butt and is also a older Monrovia, CA 1984 patent mark, sooo, not Mexico?

I tried to loosen them up first in hot water for about 5min, wrapped them around the gun and dunked the butt in cold water to try an stabilize them. They are better, but still not right.

I think tomorrow I'll take a crack at removing some material inside the grips, but not too much

 

[John Patrick]

After trimming, Maybe heat them up, install them and use electrical tape to keep the gap closed while they cool?

 

[doctorj357]

My hopes is o won't have to heat them up again, but if I do, got a few heavy duty rubber bands on stand by to keep them pinched shut

 

[gwpercle]

How old and how "used" are those Used Grips ...
They may have taken a "set" while installed for years on another gun ...
If you can't get a satisfactory fit (Fitment - a fixed item of furniture , in a house ) try a newer pair that are flexible ... take the gun to a local gunshop and "fitment" them there before buying .

I love the way people use the word "fitment" and have no clue to it's correct meaning or usage .
Gary