Thinnest grips for a model 59?

[BC38]

I just picked up a model 59 at a bargain price ($210 before taxes & fees). I really like everything about this pistol EXCEPT the thickness of the grips.

It came with a really beautiful looking set of checkered rosewood or cherry colored wood grips. They look great on the gun, but they are around 1/4" thick each. For a double-stacked 9 that adds just a little to much bulk to the grip.

So, which are the thinnest grips, factory rubber, pachmayrs, or Uncle Mikes?

 

[BC38]

WOW, no opinions yet, eh? Have these old 2nd gen (at least I think a 59 is a 2nd gen) pistols really fallen that far out of favor?

 

[JohnHL]

Sorry about that.
The thinnest grips are the original factory plastics.

John

 

[imarangemaster]

Sorry about that.
The thinnest grips are the original factory plastics.

John

This. With the original Nylon grips, the 59s are much thinner. I have tried the Pachmyers and even the Uncle Mike's, but they make it too thick for me. I went back to the nylon factory ones. Some members here have them (that's where I got mine) and also on Ebay.

 

[TTSH]

WOW, no opinions yet, eh? Have these old 2nd gen (at least I think a 59 is a 2nd gen) pistols really fallen that far out of favor?

The Model 59 is a 1st Gen! And the other guys have got you covered. The original plastic grips are, without question, the thinnest.

 

[Ruber]

The 59 is my go to 9mm, great in every way and is the gun I judge all other da autos by.

Mine has the plastic grips and is too thin for me. I was actually about to start a thread looking for thicker grips when I saw this one. Looks like I'll have to keep an eye out for a set of the old wood ones.

 

[BAM-BAM]

The 59 is my go to 9mm, great in every way and is the gun I judge all other da autos by.

Mine has the plastic grips and is too thin for me. I was actually about to start a thread looking for thicker grips when I saw this one. Looks like I'll have to keep an eye out for a set of the old wood ones.

Ruber..... check Hogue they may still make them!

Yep still have them and instock...... $50 to about $80-90..... 8 choices.

 

[Ruber]

Nice! I like their checkered Pau Ferro. I got one of their rosewood sets for a Ruger and was too fakey red (luck of the draw). I'd think the Pau Ferro's would be more consistent.

Thanks

 

[GtownGeorge]

Sand them down.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Nice! I like their checkered Pau Ferro. I got one of their rosewood sets for a Ruger and was too fakey red (luck of the draw). I'd think the Pau Ferro's would be more consistent.

Thanks

The Pau Ferro's are my go to wood...... looks like walnut!

 

[BC38]

...Mine has the plastic grips and is too thin for me. I was actually about to start a thread looking for thicker grips when I saw this one.

Then you must have some seriously big mitts my friend. Or at the very least some really long fingers. I think that's my problem - my fingers are too short. My hands are pretty big (size 11 ring) but they are blocky. My middle finger is less than 3/8" longer than my ring and index fingers and they are both less than 3" long.

Looks like I'll have to keep an eye out for a set of the old wood ones.

We might be able to make a deal. My wood grips are not real red, just a nice dark brown with a slight red tone. Maybe you can buy my wood grips and I can buy your plastic ones and we'll both be happy!

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Does Navidex (or is it Navidrex?) make grip panels for the M-59? I have a set of those on a Browning Hi-Power (another gun that can quickly suffer from too-thick grip panels). They are a thin, full-coverage checkering dark grip, I think some kind of phenolic, that look like ebony. I really like them. I recently acquired my first M-59 and was thinking a set of those would be great. I'm gonna check and see if they make such an animal. Also, I need a set of grip screws for my new/old 59 if anyone has some or knows where I could get them reasonably.

 

[Ruber]

BC38,

I actually did like the thin grips to start with. I've lost over 40 pounds in the last decade and have had to size down my wedding band. In the same time frame, my grip has matured a but too, definitely shooting a different style now days. I think that combined with thinner fingers and palms have led me to want a thicker panels.

I really think that differences in people's holds matter more than hand/finger size. Anyway, I have a more controlled and consistent grip with the thicker panels (put them on my Hi Powers, CZ's, and 1911's and now wish I had them on the 59).

That's one reason I'd suggest you hold onto your wood stocks, you may go back to them down the road.

The other reason being my 59 has all the original box, papers, and mags, so whatever I get, I'll want to hold on to the originals.

If you're dead set on selling your wood grips, let me know, but get yourself the plastics first and shoot a few hundred rounds with them.

 

[BC38]

That's good advice Ruber. I mean, a set of factory grips can be had for well under $20 including shipping.

For that it's probably worth keeping my pretty wood grips - just in case I ever decide to go back to them. Thanks.

 

[BC38]

Does Navidex (or is it Navidrex?) make grip panels for the M-59? I have a set of those on a Browning Hi-Power (another gun that can quickly suffer from too-thick grip panels). They are a thin, full-coverage checkering dark grip, I think some kind of phenolic, that look like ebony. I really like them. I recently acquired my first M-59 and was thinking a set of those would be great. I'm gonna check and see if they make such an animal. Also, I need a set of grip screws for my new/old 59 if anyone has some or knows where I could get them reasonably.

Never heard of them but if you find info on those grips, please post it here.
As for the grip screws, have you tried Numrich?

 

[Tmatahead]

Try Pierce Grips

I saw some today at Cheaper Than Dirt. They looked to be thin.

 

[BC38]

​

I saw some today at Cheaper Than Dirt. They looked to be thin.

Thanks, I appreciate you passing along the info man.

Unfortunately, since they've been some of the worst scalpers on ammo, CTD won't ever get a penny from me - even if I have to pay a little more somewhere else or do without.

But thanks for letting me know anyway!

 

[BC38]

...I need a set of grip screws for my new/old 59 if anyone has some or knows where I could get them reasonably.

FYI, there is a full set of 4 up for sale on GunBroker right now. They're $20 for the set, but if you can't find them cheaper elsewhere, they are there and available right now.

 

[BC38]

Slimmer is GOOD

Got my factory grips off eBay for the princely sum of $12.97 delivered to my door. I just put them on and am VERY happy with the difference.

Each panel is about 1/8" thinner than the wood they replaced. I'd estimate that the 1/4" difference in thickness translates to at least a 1/2" smaller circumference. MUCH better grip for my somewhat short stubby fingers!

Plus I won't have to worry about damaging the pretty wood grips. Thanks for the good advice guys!

 

[jimbo728]

Thats funny, I put the Goncalo Alves from Hogue on my 559 to keep from scratching the originals.
Jim