[transalpian]

Don't know if this should be here, or in the 'smithing section....

Just picked up a old (unused) set of Mustang black walnut oil finished combat grips for my S&W 19-3 (2.5" barrel, ca. 1975). Nice grips, in original box, still wrapped in 1976 newspaper!

Having never fit a new set of wood grips before, what advice does the collective offer?

These are nice grips and are period to my revolver so I don't want to mess them up. But it seems as the cylinder release hits the wood, so I know I'll be taking a bit off there.

After fitting, how should I treat/preserve the wood? As above, it is an oil finish, but what oil should I use?

Just to be nice, here is a picture of the gun with the original wood. I've got Hogue rubber on it now, but that's too ugly to show.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/transalpian/1931.jpg

[rcmodel]

A picture of the gun with the Mustang grips that don't fit would be much more helpful in diagnosing the problem.

Are you sure you don't have Square-Butt grips?
You have a Round-Butt Model 19.

As for oil finish, you can't beat Tru-Oil for ease of use and a good finish.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

[transalpian]

The mustangs are round butt as well. My question was poorly phrased (as usual).

Other than having to create a little notch for the cylinder lock, they fit well. But, with the grips on and the screw as tight as I'm confortable with, there is still a bit of "movement" of the grips w.r.t. the gun. Is there anything I should/could do to tighten this up?

[rcmodel]

Glass bedding can correct a multitude of sins!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

[burrhead]

Many moons ago I had a S&W m39 on which one factory grip panel wouldn’t tighten down properly. Small rubber O-ring, from the hardware store, between the grip screw and the stock fixed her right up. :)