New scales for the snakes

[vanfunk]

The stock laminate Altamont grips are “fine” on the new Python, but they’re not great. Altamont left a rather prominent ridge of wood on the upper back of the grips, just at the curve of the frame into the grip. This ridge really digs into my hand and makes shooting full-throttle .357 painful. I first scored some Deer Hollow 1st generation reproductions for my 6” Python and they were a great improvement. The raised checkering also offers a far more positive feel and grip than the recessed checkering on the stock Altamonts. Next up, I sourced a pair of David Brown “Roper” style stocks based on CraigC’s pictures and recommendations. These went on the 4.25” Python and Lordy Love, they’re nice. Not only are they wonderful to look at, but their hand-filling nature makes shooting magnums downright pleasurable and very controllable. I found another pair of DBs, these in birdseye maple, and stuck them on the Anaconda. Predictable outcome - their shape, girth and checkering texture are just perfect for the biggest snake.

Today I took an assortment of my pet .357 and .44 handloads to the range and had a literal blast. The 6” Python and the Anaconda feature the Wilson Combat sights with front gold beads; I left the rears stock on the 4.25” as they are rock-solid. The front I updated with a Harrison red fiber optic, and it works beautifully. I made a bucketful of Zero Bullets’ 158 grain hollowpoint in front of 14.5 grains of 2400; that load performs pretty much telepathically in the Pythons. The Anaconda feasted on 240 grain coated Bayou Bullets over 19 grains of 2400. Not max, but I imagine it’ll shoot through anything that needs a hole all the way through it. It shoots a bit high at 25 yards but is coming down at 50. Overall, a great morning! Can’t beat it. ‘Cept now I want a pair of David Browns for my 629…

 

[Riomouse911]

The stock laminate Altamont grips are “fine” on the new Python, but they’re not great. Altamont left a rather prominent ridge of wood on the upper back of the grips, just at the curve of the frame into the grip. This ridge really digs into my hand and makes shooting full-throttle .357 painful. I first scored some Deer Hollow 1st generation reproductions for my 6” Python and they were a great improvement. The raised checkering also offers a far more positive feel and grip than the recessed checkering on the stock Altamonts. Next up, I sourced a pair of David Brown “Roper” style stocks based on CraigC’s pictures and recommendations. These went on the 4.25” Python and Lordy Love, they’re nice. Not only are they wonderful to look at, but their hand-filling nature makes shooting magnums downright pleasurable and very controllable. I found another pair of DBs, these in birdseye maple, and stuck them on the Anaconda. Predictable outcome - their shape, girth and checkering texture are just perfect for the biggest snake.

Today I took an assortment of my pet .357 and .44 handloads to the range and had a literal blast. The 6” Python and the Anaconda feature the Wilson Combat sights with front gold beads; I left the rears stock on the 4.25” as they are rock-solid. The front I updated with a Harrison red fiber optic, and it works beautifully. I made a bucketful of Zero Bullets’ 158 grain hollowpoint in front of 14.5 grains of 2400; that load performs pretty much telepathically in the Pythons. The Anaconda feasted on 240 grain coated Bayou Bullets over 19 grains of 2400. Not max, but I imagine it’ll shoot through anything that needs a hole all the way through it. It shoots a bit high at 25 yards but is coming down at 50. Overall, a great morning! Can’t beat it. ‘Cept now I want a pair of David Browns for my 629…View attachment 1179191

Man, I must say that Colt makes some darn good looking revolvers, those are all beautiful! And those grips make them look even better, you did a nice job selecting them.

Best part is it sounds to me like they shooter as well as they look, too.

Stay safe.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Love the deer hollows!

 

[Targa]

Woah!! You did very well, those grips look great!

 

[vanfunk]

Thanks Gentlemen!

I’d never really been “into” grips until recently. Not only has it been a fun (but expensive) way to complement the looks of my revolvers, but it has helped immensely in both shooting comfort and accuracy. The David Browns are highly figured and impeccably checkered, and the Deer Hollows have more fine walnut grain than comes through in the pictures. All sets have beautifully book-matched grain as well.

Thanks again!