NIGHTLORD40K
Member
So, the original factory grips for my '69 Trooper, while intact, were pretty much worn smooth when I got it. I ordered some Thai "Python" repros on Evilbay a couple years ago-
These are nice, with good fitment and an attractive figure to the wood. They are, however very thick- thicker even than the Target grips on my Officers Model (also an I-frame like the Trooper and Python). I really couldn't get a comfy grip on these, and they looked a little, well, butt-heavy.......
When the new 2020 Python came out, Colt made a point of mentioning that they would accept vintage "I" frame grips. Therefore, I reckoned, the new grips SHOULD fit the old guns, right?
I found a seller on Ebay who somehow got his hands on some of these. I don't believe Colt sells them directly as service parts.
These are made by Altamont for Colt and are referred to as "Super Walnut" although Ive heard from some they may be stained Birch. In any event, they look good and the fit is very tight- in fact it took a few light passes with a wood file to get a perfect profile match at the top of the backstrap, but nothing I didnt expect considering that they are being retrofitted to a 50-year old gun, lol.
Strangely, considering they are supposed to be Python grips, the medallions are silver rather than the more historically accurate gold.......? Silver, IS, however, correct for a Trooper.
Slightly more annoying was the grip screw, which protruded a millimeter or two from the right-hand panel when tight. I actually had to fab a shim by cutting down and reshaping a small lock-washer to get it recessed properly- no big deal.
In the end, Im pretty happy with them. They look and feel good, being considerably more svelte than the Thai panels. And, best of all, they are "factory" new shoes for my old Trooper.
These are nice, with good fitment and an attractive figure to the wood. They are, however very thick- thicker even than the Target grips on my Officers Model (also an I-frame like the Trooper and Python). I really couldn't get a comfy grip on these, and they looked a little, well, butt-heavy.......
When the new 2020 Python came out, Colt made a point of mentioning that they would accept vintage "I" frame grips. Therefore, I reckoned, the new grips SHOULD fit the old guns, right?
I found a seller on Ebay who somehow got his hands on some of these. I don't believe Colt sells them directly as service parts.
These are made by Altamont for Colt and are referred to as "Super Walnut" although Ive heard from some they may be stained Birch. In any event, they look good and the fit is very tight- in fact it took a few light passes with a wood file to get a perfect profile match at the top of the backstrap, but nothing I didnt expect considering that they are being retrofitted to a 50-year old gun, lol.
Strangely, considering they are supposed to be Python grips, the medallions are silver rather than the more historically accurate gold.......? Silver, IS, however, correct for a Trooper.
Slightly more annoying was the grip screw, which protruded a millimeter or two from the right-hand panel when tight. I actually had to fab a shim by cutting down and reshaping a small lock-washer to get it recessed properly- no big deal.
In the end, Im pretty happy with them. They look and feel good, being considerably more svelte than the Thai panels. And, best of all, they are "factory" new shoes for my old Trooper.
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