Need help with S&W N frame grips

[ving-thorr]

Hello,

The little guy is getting to big to be leaving nightstand guns on the nightstands. my wife's nightstand gun is a S&W Model 29 with the big 8 3/8" barrel. loaded with .44 special the gun points naturally and doesn't kick much, which she appreciates.

The problem is the target grips are just a little bit too big to fit in the lock box. a grip that leaves the back strap and bottom strap open to the air would be just right. does anyone know of such a grip? do the S&W service grips leave the bottom strap open?

i don't want to take these grips to the sander, but if I have to I could just get cheap spares off ebay and sand them down

thanks in advance,
Jesse

[Pete44ru]

I'd just cut a 1"x1-1/2" hole/notch in the side of the lockbox for that long muzzle to extend outside a bit during locked storage and fahgettaboutit.

(I'd line the edges of the cut/hole/notch with small lengths of slit rubber tubing to protect the gun's finish, though)

.

[GoatGuy]

Yes, N frame "service" (correct term "magna") grips do leave the bottom of the grip frame open. Original S&W service and/or target grips can be spendy, however there are other non-factory grips on the market which mimic the factory's service shape for much less money. That would be my suggested solution before drilling a hole in the lock box and just shoving the barrel through it. Also would find a pair of grips like you need before taking the originals targets to a grinder. Those have pretty good cash/trade value also. Don't grind, please. Of course, the best solution to your problem would merely be picking up another 29 with a 6" barrel.

[ving-thorr]

Of course, the best solution to your problem would merely be picking up another 29 with a 6" barrel.

Ya, i tried that route with the War Department, but she wasn't having it.

How about these grips that S&W sells on their website

[buckeyeshooter]

buy a bigger lock box then!

[GoatGuy]

You know, I wouldn't select those for my mod 29 if I were looking for a replacement set of grip panels. The standard profile service grips will allow the hand to have more support at the top of the backstrap. Those pictured are a reproduction of an older style and, in my opinion, while nice looking are not as practical for as the later style when firing an N frame Smith revolver.

[J Miller]

I have Pachmayr Gripper grips on my S&Ws they cover the back but are not as flared and large at the bottom.
Pachmayr also makes their Gripper Pro series:
http://www.pachmayr.com/home/gripper-pro.php
that have an open back and are a bit smaller yet. I have both sets and there is a significant difference. I'd try those, or well let your wife try them.

Joe

[JB]

Agree, pick up a pair of Pachmayr grips. They're cheap enough and if you still need to do any fitting, you won't be ruining a set of S&W wooden grips.

[Mescalero]

Houge grips,
fix your problem,
she will like them better
all my Smiths wear them.

[ceb]

I think all the Pachmayer grips will cover and extend the bottom of the grip frame, the magna grips mentioned will not, they along with a Tyler-t grip adapter should solve your problem if you can find them.

[Rusty]

If you check at a gunshow you can usually find the service style Magna grips for a lot less than retail. Most people want the larger Magnum or target style or whatever they call them for some reason. The last pair I bought for my M28 were $10 used. I like the smaller style myself as I feel they are better for double action.

[Charles]

I have some Smith and Wesson N frame target grips that have been shortened at the bottom, have had the flair at the bottom removed and slimmed down the front. Send me a PM with your address and I will send them to you. If they don't fit your box you can take off more wood and no harm done. No charge of course.

Charles Graff

[Mescalero]

At least go to the candy store and feel the Houges.

[ving-thorr]

Gents,

Thanks for the tips.

Charles, PM sent, thanks!