Repair question for some target stocks

[Bobbysixkiller]

First thank you for any input. Not a big problem. I have a set of factory targets with the metal washers. Nice set other than the pin hole on one grip is a bit loose. I was wondering what would be a good filler for the hole. Not to plug it and redrill. Just snug it up some. Maybe just a drop of lacquer or varnish. Maybe just a dab of glue. Nothing real hard or bad. Just thought someone might have a better solution. Thanks again.

 

[444 Magnum]

My suggestion is what you've already discounted.

I recentlly acquired a pistol with diamond targets that didn't fit well. I determined it was the placement of the "pin hole" as you call it. I filled it with a dowel and glue, re-positioned the center of the hole with a punch and drilled it. A little stain and it's barely noticeable.

The stocks fit much better now.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

Ahh. So maybe drill it a bit larger, say 1/4 or 5/16 and glue a dowel in for filler and drill new hole in the dowel? That sounds better than what I was thinking. I was thinking fill it with glue or wood filler and drill it. Not building an insert. I could probably use an aluminum dowel and it would never wear out again.

 

[Vtgw938]

You have to get the two grip panels to line up perfect to each other so you want to use something that you can alter easily. I plug the hole with similar wood as the grip. But since you want easy, partially plug the hole with slivers of wood with glue and place a grip pin where it needs to be or actually mount the grips in the gun. With a little vaseline on the pin and frame you will be able to remove the grip prior to complete hardening.

You can also fill the hole with epoxy and stick the pin or a nail in. Either way you still may have to repeat to get a perfect fit.

 

[444 Magnum]

So maybe drill it a bit larger, say 1/4 or 5/16?

Not that big. I bought the smallest dowel that would snug into the hole. It may have been 1/8". It wasn't big. I glued it with wood glue (Elmer's will work) and let it set overnight.

Then I used a pointed punch to set the center for the drill bit.

My grips were G/A so I used some red oak stain to touch up the work area and it blending right in.

It was pretty simple. Others may have different methods.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

Thank you guys for the suggestions. I have a badly damaged set I’ll practice on first. I also have a victory frame that was destroyed (cut in half) I can use for trial fitting with the Vaseline. Hadn’t thought of using that for a releasing agent. Thank you guys. I appreciate it.

 

[WR Moore]

When I had this problem decades ago-I caused it-I used a different solution. Degreased the grip frame (may have removed the mainspring), coated the frame & pin generously with release agent, and dripped properly dyed Acraglass into the pin hole with a tooth pick. Carefully lined the grip up with the frame and clamped it into place (think I used the other grip panel & screw) and left it repaired side down for a day or two. Worked fine, and yes, the grip panel popped right off with just wee bit of persuasion.

 

[Photog]

When I had this problem decades ago-I caused it-I used a different solution. Degreased the grip frame (may have removed the mainspring), coated the frame & pin generously with release agent, and dripped properly dyed Acraglass into the pin hole with a tooth pick. Carefully lined the grip up with the frame and clamped it into place (think I used the other grip panel & screw) and left it repaired side down for a day or two. Worked fine, and yes, the grip panel popped right off with just wee bit of persuasion.

This is the best suggestion yet. I have done this on three sets of S&W grips and works great.

 

[taz666]

White glue and a piece of paper on the hole's side that needs to shift over.