After much research, a month ago I bought a new 6" target model Trailside. Being a sucker for accuracy, I decided it's the one 'plinker'/camp gun that I know will actually tell me how good (or bad) I'm shooting. Turns out it easily groups under 1" at 25 yards, just casually benchrested with a scope on. (On a good day, with a two-hand hold and the stock adjustable iron sights, I can get 2-1/2" groups at the same distance.)
However, the squishy plastic grips it came with really annoyed me (as do some of the other plastic parts, which I will replace in time.)
After some trepidation about the amount of time and effort involved, I got to work on a set of hardwood grips. Here they are after a couple weeks of slicing and dicing and final finishing. Made out of cherrywood, stained and matt varnished.
Instead of the slightly 'toylike' feel, my Trailside now feels like a very solid, serious gun, and fits the hand perfectly.
Was it worth it? Well, while it was overall very satifying, let's just say that those competition walnut grips at $200 don't any longer seem so expensive!
However, the squishy plastic grips it came with really annoyed me (as do some of the other plastic parts, which I will replace in time.)
After some trepidation about the amount of time and effort involved, I got to work on a set of hardwood grips. Here they are after a couple weeks of slicing and dicing and final finishing. Made out of cherrywood, stained and matt varnished.
Instead of the slightly 'toylike' feel, my Trailside now feels like a very solid, serious gun, and fits the hand perfectly.
Was it worth it? Well, while it was overall very satifying, let's just say that those competition walnut grips at $200 don't any longer seem so expensive!
