Last L-frame comes home, interesting grip work

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bikemutt

bikemutt

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My L-frame itch was finally scratched last week when this 4" no-dash nickel gun landed in the safe. The gun turned out to be in even better condition than the seller had stated, always a pleasant surprise. What did surprise me is the grip work that I assume was not factory issue. They appear to have started life as standard target grips, the butt has been sanded in a rounded manner and the finish appears to have been stripped and replaced with a natural oil. I have to say that after handling and shooting the gun, the grips feel better to me and look quite nice.

Well, that's about it for the L-frame collection, all that's left to do now is enjoy shooting them :)

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A "Family" portrait:
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Mr. mutt,

Those grips are what sets that off! I'm not a wood worker, so I'd be a little afraid of trying to accomplish what you have there, a fine job, and a very nice L frame! Looking at it again, whomever did this stocks did a really fine job, if they weren't so expensive to replace, I'd get out the belt sander and giver er' a whirl.
 
That little bit sure does wonders! I like it much better that way. Nicely executed, too -- someone had a steady hand.

Good find!
 
What no spot for a 6" or better yet an 8 3/8" Silouhette model in the family album?
 
Well, that's about it for the L-frame collection,
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You say that now.

Hey guys, how long do we give him until that itch comes back? My vote is 3 months.

Those grips are really neat like that. I like it.
the grips feel better to me
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Is the part of the grip that has been modified up high enough that you really feel the difference?
 
The grips are nicely done, and should be quite comfortable. Great gun too!

Is the part of the grip that has been modified up high enough that you really feel the difference?
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I don't know about bikemutt, but my hands are wide enough that I would. Short and wide.
 
You know, I thought about my wild claim, this being my last L-frame, I really don't know what on earth I was thinking :eek:

I think probably "this is my last L-frame until the next one comes" along is more accurate, and believable. And yes, I saw an 8" blued one online that has me thinking...
 
Is the part of the grip that has been modified up high enough that you really feel the difference?
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Where I notice it is in the lower heel of my hand, the unmodified grips have a sharp transition from the side to the bottom which is easily felt. The modified grips mellow the transition enough to add a comfort factor. It's one of those things that's easier to experience than to describe.
 
Interesting. I'll have to grab my Model 19 and see if he target grips feel like that to me. Of course, I'd want to get an extra set of the target grips and modify those. The ones currently on there are matching numbered to the gun IIRC.
 
bikemutt

You know, I thought about my wild claim, this being my last L-frame, I really don't know what on earth I was thinking

I think probably "this is my last L-frame until the next one comes" along is more accurate, and believable. And yes, I saw an 8" blued one online that has me thinking...
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Okay that's more realistic. We've all heard (and most of us have said it at one time or another) that claim before or a variation on it. "I'm done buying guns. No more guns." Yeah and we always adhere to it.

Nice find by the way. Very pretty.
 
Amazing how changing the grip even just a little can make a big difference in the hand. A few decades back I swapped out the panels on my blackhawk for some zebrawood blanks. A little time with a rattail file and sandpaper turned it into a point & shoot gun, barely bothered using the sights afterward.
 
I have a set of target grips I'd like to do that too, but I doubt I have the skill to pull it off. I really like those. The oil finish gives a great contrast to the nickel.
 
I've posed the question to my gunsmith who's Dad does all his gun furniture work for him, some of which I've seen, it's quite good. If he could duplicate the work it may be a good niche to keep him busy in the cold moths to come.
 
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