Modifed 500 X Frame Grips on 2.75" M69

[paul105]

I’m a big fan of the S&W 500 X Frame Hogue grips (Tamers). I have them mounted on all my S&W Round Butt grip frames where they fit. They do seem a bit large on some of the L and K Frame guns.

So, I set about modifying an old set of worn out 500 X Frame gips. Using my “Work Sharp” knife sharpener (mini belt sander) I shortened, rounded and narrowed the bottom of the butt and eliminated the finger grooves. Because of the condition of the grips being modified this was basically “exploratory surgery”. For the 20 minutes it took, I was pleased with the outcome. Reduced grip profile, making them a bit more compact for better concealability (which I’m not particularly concerned with). I will note that there is enough material remaining on the grips that additional trimming would be fairly easy.

I have worn out 4 or 5 pairs of X Frame grips – all in the same spot (where the backstrap impacts the bone at the base of my thumb which these grips protect which these grips protect) – see the picture:



Before modification -- X Frame 500s on 2.75” M69:



After modification – X Frame 500s on 2.75” M69


.


Wish Hogue would make a “minimalist round butt 500 X frame grip” similar to the above.

Paul

[ezekiel38]

That grip and a Bantam style for Ruger SP 101s.

[450ak]

I second the wish.
I'm surprised you could take off those #@+&$"!? finger grooves and not expose the nylon insert. Your redone minimalist grips look excellent. I've only got two pair of them worn out but tomorrow I'll try to emulate yours.

[paul105]

I did expose some of the nylon insert on the lower finger grove. Remember, I was just "hogging" out material without being careful, just trying to get an idea of how much could be removed. I can't even feel the expoxed piece of nylon insert. Probably could cover it with a black felt tip pen if the white is bothersome. You'll also be length limited by the stirrup screw on the bottom.

Someone contacted Hogue and they said "just use the sanding drum on a dremel tool" to contour to you liking.



Paul

[bula]

Purty slick mod ! Since wear thru point seems to be the same, maybe a fix there too ? Maybe a little melt treatment or at least a little piece of Gorilla tape or such over the edge or corner, between gun and grip ? Luck. 

[warhawk]

Paul, I did much the same thin with a regular set of Hogue goodyears on a Mountain Gun. They now fit my hand better than anything else. And Hogue did listen, and now makes a version of their rubber grips with no finger grooves. I've got them on my 4" M69.

[paul105]

Still looking for a report on your John Ross 500.

[ezekiel38]

Love the comment about the stirrup attachment. I have 2 SPs and I have grips for them by OEM, don't use too small, Hogue, Pachmayr 2 different kinds, and a set of Badgers. Love the Hogues as they are the only grips that do not "wiggle, travel, or squirm" while shooting. I wish Hogue would build a Bantam style grip similar to the ones on the Ruger LCR with the stirrup attachment for solid no move grip. Hogue needs to work on that stress point on their 500X grip, if you get that kind of wear on a medium frame 44 what kind of life of the grip when on the 500?

[matt56]

I have a set of unmodified X-frame grips for my 4" 69 too. It made shooting full house 44s more pleasant but I still couldn't shoot the gun as good as any of my N frames.

[warhawk]

Apr 9, 2018 20:07:18 GMT -5 paul105 said:

Still looking for a report on your John Ross 500.

Me too, we've got a couple of family situations going on that are keeping me busy. Not to mention driving all over creation for work.

[paul105]

Sorry to hear that. Hope all resolve positively soon and you get some free time.

Paul

[junebug]

I grind down the palm swell and finger droves on mine, makes them a bit ugly but a whole lot more user friendly.The palm swell doesn't feel good to me at all.

[groo]

Groo here
I have damage on my thumb in the same place.[from shooting S&W pattern ill fitting wood grips too long!!!!!!!!!!!]
My heavy kickers use Xframe grips or Pachmyre [the thin ones that cover the back strap]
PS the Pachs are smaller too.