Warped Target Grips
- Thread starter RMS272829
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Pics would help us. I would send an email to Curt Harlow, http://smith-wessonforum.com/member.php?u=303249
He does excellent work. If you sent him some pics, He could tell you what can be done. He's also a really great guy.
He does excellent work. If you sent him some pics, He could tell you what can be done. He's also a really great guy.
Not being a wood guy, how does this happen? Type of wood, exposure to excessive heat or moisture? Reason I ask, what is the best way to store Target grips? To prevent the warpage that the OP is experiencing. Service and Magna grips are simple with a wood spacer. Any comments?
I had a set of Altamont wood grips warp. One phone call and had a new set in 3-4 days. Wasn't even ask to send old ones back
GypsmJim
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I have some old "american" grips that have never warped (S&W, Ruger, etc). The only warped ones were Thailand grips that I am sorry for ever buying.
They did give me a refund, but my guess is that the wood was not cured long enough before they made them.
They did give me a refund, but my guess is that the wood was not cured long enough before they made them.
I use a spent 38 special cartridge as a spacer for my K-N frame targets. I put it up by the washers used on the inside. Seems to work really well. Just make sure the rim is exposed and not inside the grip. That would create too large a filler and could crack your grips if tightened to much.
Excellent thread. I'm wondering if the problem is more prevalent in states with high humidity.
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I had a set of smith grips that were warped. I put them on the gun, and put a large clamp on them. Left that way for a few weeks, tightened the clamp every so often if i could and the warp was fixed.
digi-shots
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I had a set I tried to fix (still have them). Dampened them and then put them in vise. When they dried out they were fine but shortly later, they warped again. Maybe I should have just put them on a gun and locked them up in the safe for a longer time.
Might try it again.
Might try it again.
I store all my "extra" stocks in my gun vault where the humidity is maintained between 45 and 55%.
GypsmJim
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I dunno. But my guess would be that they warp in low humidity, as they dry out.
Phil is giving you good advice. If anyone can fix it Curt can.
I recently purchased a '50's K-22. The early black washer target stocks were one reason I did. When I got it, what the pictures didn't show was a large 1/16" gap at the toe of the stocks.
I was disappointed but when I took the stocks off I noticed the strain screw was backed out quite a bit. I screwed it in and the gap all but disappeared.
Maybe this could be your problem too. Worth a check for sure.
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My feeling is clamping might temporarily straighten the grips, but they eventually will return to their warped condition. That is where the grain of the wood wants to be. This is sometimes due to wood being machined prior to being properly dried.
If they do return to their warped condition then the only way to permanently "straighten" them is to sand them on the inside so they sit flat. Of course then the grips will no longer be to Factory spec. but at least they should sit flush with the frame. Equal amount must also be removed from the other grip to maintain equal size. Some re-contouring and refinishing would also be required but you might wind up with a serviceable set of grips. Wood working experience and skill is required. Oh, a bit of luck won't hurt either!
One other method would be to use a filler piece of wood and contour and finish to match. Again, skill and experience helps greatly.
If they do return to their warped condition then the only way to permanently "straighten" them is to sand them on the inside so they sit flat. Of course then the grips will no longer be to Factory spec. but at least they should sit flush with the frame. Equal amount must also be removed from the other grip to maintain equal size. Some re-contouring and refinishing would also be required but you might wind up with a serviceable set of grips. Wood working experience and skill is required. Oh, a bit of luck won't hurt either!
One other method would be to use a filler piece of wood and contour and finish to match. Again, skill and experience helps greatly.
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