Tallball
Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2014
- Messages
- 7,822
I got this little Rough Rider mostly because I've been wanting a single action revolver in 38 special with a short barrel, 3" or 3.5".
The little 38's with the bird's head grips looked super cool, but I wasn't sure how well I could shoot with grips like that. So I bought the cheap little Rough Rider just to check out the grip style, more than anything.
The bird's head grips felt okay in my hands, until I started shooting it. After a few cylinders I was annoyed. The grip gets really small at the bottom, and apparently my hand prefers a much thicker grip in that area.
After I shot it the first time, probably not even 100 rounds, it was absolutely filthy. I obviously should have cleaned it before I took it to the range. After a thorough cleaning, the action is smoother.
I ordered the "plowhandle" grip frame from Heritage for $25, and a set of grips that also cost $25. They arrived after about a week. It took about 20 minutes to switch out the grip frame and install the grips. Oddly enough, the trigger guard is part of the grip frame.
I'll take it to the range again within the next couple of weeks. It feels much better in my hand with the plowhandle grip. I'll see if it shoots better. Previously it shot noticeably high and to the left. According the suggestion of another THR member, I checked all of the screws. Most of them were loose. Maybe with everything tightened up it will shoot closer to POA. If I like it and it groups tightly with the new grips, I can always adjust the sights very very very carefully if I need to.
BEFORE
AFTER
The little 38's with the bird's head grips looked super cool, but I wasn't sure how well I could shoot with grips like that. So I bought the cheap little Rough Rider just to check out the grip style, more than anything.
The bird's head grips felt okay in my hands, until I started shooting it. After a few cylinders I was annoyed. The grip gets really small at the bottom, and apparently my hand prefers a much thicker grip in that area.
After I shot it the first time, probably not even 100 rounds, it was absolutely filthy. I obviously should have cleaned it before I took it to the range. After a thorough cleaning, the action is smoother.
I ordered the "plowhandle" grip frame from Heritage for $25, and a set of grips that also cost $25. They arrived after about a week. It took about 20 minutes to switch out the grip frame and install the grips. Oddly enough, the trigger guard is part of the grip frame.
I'll take it to the range again within the next couple of weeks. It feels much better in my hand with the plowhandle grip. I'll see if it shoots better. Previously it shot noticeably high and to the left. According the suggestion of another THR member, I checked all of the screws. Most of them were loose. Maybe with everything tightened up it will shoot closer to POA. If I like it and it groups tightly with the new grips, I can always adjust the sights very very very carefully if I need to.
BEFORE
AFTER
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