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How do I make larger hand grips for my 1858?

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 7:49 am
by DuncaninFrance
I have been looking for some larger hand grips for my Pietta 1858 New Model Army revolver - not fancy ones just BIGGER ones! Can't find anything* so have decided to try and make some myself.
I can see that it should be easy to cut blanks BUT how do you shape them so they are uniform?

Image

Here is a start...........................

*blackisler and I spent about half an hour on the Skype chat last night trying to find some bigger grips - NOTHING :(

Here is what it looks like at the moment :shock:

Image

Re: How do I make larger hand grips for my 1858?

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 6:06 pm
by Dave 101
Hi Duncan

if you are refering to the profile ie cross section you could try one of these , its a profile gauge , its like a comb with lots of moveable teeth .
http://www.fine-tools.com/kontur.htm

Dave

ps also have a look on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa226wSK ... re=related

Re: How do I make larger hand grips for my 1858?

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 6:53 pm
by Aughnanure
Dave has hit it, 10 ring.

I haven't seen those for years and was going to suggest cardboard templates; cut to fit the first (perfect :) ) grip that you make, then make the other as a reverse copy.

Another tip is to make a set of rough grips and coat them with body filler (automobile not vinters) then, just before it is hard, carefully grasp in the normal shooting position and you should have a hand fitting grip.
Clean up and paint to choice; not pink.

Have fun. :bigsmile:

Re: How do I make larger hand grips for my 1858?

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:44 am
by DuncaninFrance
Interesting, thanks. I used to have a profile gauge but it was too coarse so it got lost when we moved to France. :shock:
That video tells me that I am missing 2 good bits of kit - a small band saw and a facility for sanding profiles, neither of which the wife is going to sanction :lol: :lol:
Going to have to think about your idea Eoin but keep em coming!

I sent Pietta an e.mail yesterday to see if they had any 'cost effective' suggestions :roll:

Re: How do I make larger hand grips for my 1858?

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:40 am
by Karl/Pa.
The Remington New Army is decidely made for smaller hands, as are most Rems. If you really would like one for the ham-fisted, try a Rogers & Spencer.

Re: How do I make larger hand grips for my 1858?

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 12:17 pm
by DuncaninFrance
Thank you Karl :roll: I happen to like this pistol as it has progressive rifling and should shoot very well once I sort it all out.
I like the R&S but at just over $1320 I DON'T think it is a starter........................... :shock:

Re: How do I make larger hand grips for my 1858?

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 4:29 pm
by Dave 101
Heres another idea , ask around at a local joinery shop and see if someone could knock them up for you in exchange for a trip to the range for a test firing of the pistol .

Dave

Re: How do I make larger hand grips for my 1858?

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 5:13 pm
by DuncaninFrance
Dave 101 wrote:Heres another idea , ask around at a local joinery shop and see if someone could knock them up for you in exchange for a trip to the range for a test firing of the pistol .

Dave
In the UK it would be a great idea but here.....................................more chance of platting fog :( Too many people have guns and so there is no real value in a range visit, :roll:

A friend of mine has some ideas and will be round on Saturday for a cuppa and some cake - I have every confidence he will supply the answer.................... :cool: Watch this space ;)

Re: How do I make larger hand grips for my 1858?

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:46 pm
by Aughnanure
What sort of cake?

Re: How do I make larger hand grips for my 1858?

Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 3:30 am
by DuncaninFrance
Cherry Cake, Yorkshire Parkin, Scones and Jam all washed down with a pot of good English Tea - non of your faggot dishwater and lemon like the French do :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: