Handgun Grip Reconstruction

The reconstruction performed on this rather unusual handgun grip involved considerable work and thinking in doing it just right. The original grip had been formed from a totally reshaped synthetic stock as used on a single-shot rifle. The first revision left the pistol grip too perpendicular and quite small for the shooter’s hand. This interfered with proper recoil absorption of the centerfire rifle cartridges used in this handgun as well as making it more difficult to hold and aim while shooting.

The work involved replacement of the existing grip cap along with a buildup of new material at the lower rear of the grip. Refinishing of the entire grip was also performed. This required making a form to hold the Brownells Steel-Bed that I chose to use as a means of building up the grip. Getting The Job Done Making and fitting anew bottom grip cap was the first step. This was made up of laminated pieces of 1/4 and 1/8-inch thick plastic material bonded together with J-B Weld.

The piece was reshaped to the exact configuration of the former grip cap at the front, extending 11/16" farther back to allow for grip buildup. After reworking the grip cap, it was solidly attached by using the existing countersunk 8-32 screws. With the new grip cap shaped to size and attached, I made up a form using several layers of special tape to retain and mold a mixture of Brownells Steel-Bed. Release agent was applied to the bottom surface of the new grip cap to prevent adhesion of the Steel- Bed.

It is sometimes necessary to be able to remove the new grip cap from the main grip. Mixing and applying the Steel-Bed was quite easy. I’ve worked with this Two pre-fitted screws will hold it solidly in position. fine product for along time and, in its place, it has no equal. Mixing is easy with a working time of at least a half hour, depending on the temperature of the mixture. At room temperature it has the consistency of soft peanut butter. It will not run but still conforms to small cracks and spaces.

Steel-Bed forms nicely without running. The grip form is held at a level position as it is filled with sufficient Steel-Bed to form the approximate shape of the finished grip. In this buildup process the added material within the form is carefully worked to the desired shape of the new grip. In the final setting stage I could easily work and shape the material within the form. The surface of the setting material got as smooth as glass and hard as steel.

After about five hours I removed the forms, revealing a good looking grip. I removed the bottom grip cap just to be sure it would come off and gave it a final polish. The shaped Steel-Bed had a nice finish to it and only re- Left and Sometimes seemingly minor things can make a huge difference. Conclusion Recoil was much easier to tolerate as a result of reshaping the grip, particularly with a two-hand hold and when shooting over sandbags.

It also makes it easier to use as a hunting handgun guided with minimal support. As we approach some of our gunsmithing tasks, an imaginative and creative effort becomes an important ingredient. We must be ready to combine and shape widely-differing components as we take an idea and make it happen. AG quired minor sanding. If you haven’t worked with Steel-Bed, you’ll like the hard, steel-like finish. It could even be checkered using the right equipment.

As a finishing touch, I applied a dark brown dye made by Birchwood Casey to match the other part of the grip. Over this I applied a coat of Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil.