I have a 3rd gen that came with wood grips not original to the gun. I have a new set of black eagle grips that need fitted to the gun. The new grips are just a bit big for the frame and do not have the hole drilled for the locator pin. I have never fitted grips to a gun before and was wondering what is the best way to go about doing it without ruining the grips or scratching the grip frame. I am also not sure how to drill the hole for the pin unless I take the pin out and mark the grips through the hole in the frame. About sanding the grips do I sand the edges until they are the right size or is there a better way of doing it so the grips don't look crappy from being sanded.
Sorry for all the questions but I really want to pick you guys brains for some guidance so I don't have a costly experiment.
Well the 3rd gen grips are cheap $25.
Id put a piece of masking tape on the grip metal and sand with something hard backed. Wrap 150 or 180 in something flat and hard you can control. I also use a piece of broom stick handle for the inside radius wrapped in 180. Finish with one of those foam two sided finger nail files women use.
If you knock the grip pin out you can lay one half of the grip flat, mark the hole then flip and mark the other side. Wa la.
I do. Yes. If you are really worried the thickness of the masking tape will keep the abrasive away from the metal. Once it's down to the metal you can take them off and finish them off if you are worried. Just a couple swipes is enough. You'll be surprised how fast the grit cuts the plastic.
Being a 1st timer I would not sand on the gun particularly if you have just a fine bit to remove. I made a big mistake my first try using the tape as protection! What I do is mount the grips and use a fine pencil mark to show excess. Also, a fine groove (inside the pencil mark) with a straight pin which gets one closer almost to finish edge. I then sand to the pencil line. Once there I sand very slowly to the safety pin groove using a magnifying glass. Go very slow with frequent fitting checks as you go. As to the inside hole, knock the pin out. Then using a Q-tip and ink pad mark the grip hole location pushing Q-tip through the hole. Good luck.
this is the method I have used with success. Take it slow with frequent test fittings to determine your progress. most critical 1st fitting is the upper angle notch ( usually NOT a 90 degree fit.)
Others have mentioned this point, but it bears repeating: Do not try to rush any part of this job.
What has worked for me:
1. Remove existing grips
2. Remove stock locating pin from grip frame
3. Measure stock locating pin diameter, select a drill bit that will be a slip fit through grip frame hole
4. Hold one side of new grips to grip frame, check fit to the square cut at the revolver frame, carefully adjust as needed using medium-grit sandpaper to achieve perfect fit and alignment at the square cut, with other edges of the grips usually overhanging the grip frame a bit all around
5. With the square cut fitted the grip panel can be secured to the grip frame with duct tape
6. Mark drill bit for depth (don't want to go all the way through the new grip panel), carefully drill using the grip frame hole as a guide
7. Repeat the above process with the other grip panel. Re-iinstall stock locating pin. You can now secure the 2-piece grips with the grip screw
8. Remove grips, wrap grip frame surfaces with duct tape, reinstall grips
9. Slowly and carefully remove excess grip material with medium-grit sandpaper until closely aligned with the duct taped grip frame. A rounded tool to hold sandpaper works well for inside curve of front grip frame, flat sandpaper holder works for bottom and back strap curve, and these tools provide greater control than trying to use just your fingers.
10. Remove grips, carefully sand with fine-grit (400) sandpaper
11. Polish grip edges where sanded, blending into the other polished grip surfaces. Buffing wheel used with a light touch is best, but this can be done by hand using soft cloth and polishing compound.
12. Remove duct tape from grip frame and mount new grips.
Again, do not try to rush any part of the work. If done carefully you should now have a hair-line close fit with no damage to your grip frame.
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