Tercgening 4506 grips for a 457

[mikerjf]

I have a 457 that wanted an angled backstrap – something Misters Smith and Wesson didn't see fit to provide us with. Heck, even the 1911 went A1. I learned that 4506 grips were the way to go, and proved to be pretty cheap as well.

They needed to be a little over half an inch shorter, so I started with a piece of ½" tape and rough cut them to length.

Then a Bubba's Friend with sanding drum was used to clean up the inside until they would go on the frame. I needed to remove a little bit more than just the internal ridges to get it to install. This required repeated fitting; afterwards you WILL know how to install 3rd gen grips.

 

[mikerjf]

Next step was to make a small wooden jig… basically drilling a thru-hole and then cutting a notch for the frame/grip to slide into. A broken drill was cut down to make a short pin.

End result is an easy way to get the new pin hole in the right place with a hand drill. You just need to do this for the first hole… then remove the fixture, reinstall the grip, and you can drill the other side through the first hole.

 

[mikerjf]

I made a small aluminum piece to receive the mainspring from a ½" bar, using a hacksaw, files, drill press, and belt sander. The outside needed to be rounded to clear the inside of the grips.

 

[mikerjf]

And there she is with her slick new grips. I really like the new feel. Special thanks to Tercgen and all the other forum wizards who continue to inspire.

 

[Dave Baird]

Great job! I love doing self-made improvements, when they work! Haha!!! Yours looks great!!!!! Good job.
There's been a 457 with box and mags at my LGS for many months around $450. I love the size and the price is not bad, but it is pretty blocky. I once owned a 908 and sold it because it was blocky. They work great though!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JohnHL]

Ingenious and resourceful.

Bravo!

John

 

[stansdds]

Very well done!