I Like Grip Adapters

[Dave Markowitz]

I have small hands so grips that cover the backstrap often don't work for me. However, the old S&W service stocks or Magnas don't give you enough to hang onto when shooting double action. So, grip adapters to the rescue. I received these three today from Robertson Trading Post. When I can get them, I also use adapters from Pachmayr and BK Grips.



Top to bottom: M-1917 .45 ACP, post-war nickeled Military & Police .38 Special "pre-Model 10," and a Model 547 9mm from the cancelled French contract. I recently found something online by C.E. Harris indicating that the 547s didn't stand up to heavy usage of Euro-spec 9mm, so they got replaced with Rugers that did. (Speed Sixes, IIRC.) The 547 doesn't use moon clips. I'll do a thread on it eventually.

Note that RTP advertises the adapters to fit K and L-frames. However, they also seem to work with N-Frames as shown with the 1917.

These are a few of the many guns I inherited when member RON in PA (my father) passed last month. My brother and I had quite a few to split up.

 

[Bazoo]

Nice little batch of Smiths.

I like cut down target stocks on my wife’s 686, giving a very similar profile.

 

[halfmoonclip]

IIRC, ordered a Robertson Trading Post adapter for a minty M67. Fit was okay, but not great. Finally scrounged a genuine Tyler from a local dealer; better fit, although the used one needed a little TLC to make it like new.
Do like the adapters on older Smiths, both for feel and period appearance.
This forum, as well as Hats and Gats on Facebook, have helped to stir interest in the adapters. They were kind of a fogey kind of thing when I was younger.
The original, Tyler enterprise version soldiers on, with promises of having an online operation someday soon. Soon. I like the BKs, though they don't offer a silver option. The faux ivory look okay on smaller guns (IMHO), but not so much on the larger ones.
Frankly, the sky high price of new, wooden grips have helped the popularity of the adapters.
Moon

 

[Pat Riot]

I like grip adapters as well. I have tried Tyler T-grips but have never bought them. I like the BK adapters.

S&W model 10-7


S&W models 36 & 442

 

[TheFrontRange]

As with a few “gunny” things over the years, I used to dislike the look of the marriage of Magnas and grip adapters. Slowly I warmed-up to the look but then actually handled / fired a revolver so-equipped…and I love ‘em now!

I’m a fan of BK Grips’ model and have a Tyler on a “pre-27” now. I’ll have to check-out RTC’s offerings.

Love the grip-adapter’d revolvers so far in this thread!

My sole contribution at the moment:

 

[Jonesy814]

I have a few with grip adapters.

M27 no dash

Models 36 and 10-7. These 3 are from Robertsons Trading Post. I polished them a bit and have done so even more since I took these pictures.

Pre-model 10. This one has a vintage Tyler T grip

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I picked up this Model 28-2 sometime in the 90s. It came with some hideous plastic grips with finger grooves. I replaced them with a set of Herrett's Shooting Starts but last year I replaced those with a set of Thai Magnas along with a BK Grips adapter. I think I'll leave it this way for awhile.




I was able to find a suitable Pachmayr adapter for my Colt Shooting Master in .38 Special, which really improved the feel of this old Roscoe:

 

[halfmoonclip]

Dave, oddly, I like the adapter on a Centennial, but not on a M60 round butt...but do like them on a 36 square butt.
Moon

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Dave, oddly, I like the adapter on a Centennial, but not on a M60 round butt...but do like them on a 36 square butt.
Moon

Whatever works for you!

 

[shoebox1.1]

Dave that 28 looks fantastic

 

[TheFrontRange]

From the files of “Guns I No Longer Own” comes this short-barreled “pre-Model 10” that came to me with a BK Grips adapter. This was my first gun set up with such.

The photo-pose was among shots taken to be submitted in the “Weapons” category of that season’s Saddleback Leather photo contest - I didn’t place or win, but it was still fun and I remain a Saddleback fan haha…

 

[PWC]

How do grip adapters attach?

 

[halfmoonclip]

How do grip adapters attach?

Skyhooks, Velcro, or DoubleBubble.

Seriously, there is a thin copper strip fastened to the back of the adapter, which slips under the pistol's stocks. One possible advantage to the BKs (which are poly, unlike the Tyler's aluminum), they have two strips.
The adapter also nestles into the gun's shape, making it secure.
Loosen/remove the stocks, fit the adapter, replace and snug up the stocks. Easy peasy.
Moon

 

[armoredman]

How do grip adapters attach?

 

[PWC]

Thanks Half-moon and Armoredman!

 

[gobsauce]

I really need to get my hands on one. I figure that I can model them and then 3d print them. The only issue I can think about is how they're attached.

 

[Mk VII]

I had one of the Tyler-T ones on a S&W M1917, back in the day. It made things a bit better.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I really need to get my hands on one. I figure that I can model them and then 3d print them. The only issue I can think about is how they're attached.

As shown in armoredman's post, most of them have a strip of copper or brass screwed or pinned to it. This strip wraps around the front grip tang. Adapters from BK Grips have two strips. Some people will add a heavy duty rubber band/ranger band around the adapter and grip for extra security.

 

[gobsauce]

As shown in armoredman's post, most of them have a strip of copper or brass screwed or pinned to it. This strip wraps around the front grip tang. Adapters from BK Grips have two strips. Some people will add a heavy duty rubber band/ranger band around the adapter and grip for extra security.

That makes a ton of sense, I guess it never clicked. I thought it was one piece. Still, if I could get my hands on one, I could 3D scan it and print it for a fraction of the cost.

 

[Jonesy814]

I just got a J frame sized BK grip adapter in the mail today. I put it on my pre-43 airweight kit gun

 

[halfmoonclip]

That makes a ton of sense, I guess it never clicked. I thought it was one piece. Still, if I could get my hands on one, I could 3D scan it and print it for a fraction of the cost.

That is certainly what BK has done; their prices are more reasonable than the original Tylers. Tylers on Fleabay are often $50 or more. Twenty five bucks isn't crushing for the BKs. I suspect getting the curves just right is difficult..
Moon

 

[stonebuster]

I ordered a BK aluminum(silver) adapter for a Model 64 S&W RB snub and didn't like the fit. Put it in a drawer. Three years later I bought a Pre Model 10 snub with a square butt & diamond Magnas that didn't fit my hands. Put the BK on and enjoy the look of the original wood magnas and a much more comfortable grip.

 

[Rodfac]

I like grip adapters too , Dave...with Smith's K frames they're ideal for my hand size....at least with moderate loads. For heavier recoiling ammunition, I need stocks that are a more hand filling. Here's my 4th variation, S&W Hand Ejector in .32-20 with Redfield's old adapter (IIRC) mounted. Best Regards, Rod

​

 

[mpmax]

I’ve got a couple Tyler’s and a BK. My kids prefer rubber grips, but I like the classics.

 

[CajunBass]

I've used adapters for years. Got my first Tyler's back in the early 80's I guess it was. Now I use BK's. They're just a lot easier to get. I send the order online, and they're in my mailbox in a day or two.

I looked and don't have a picture of but one gun with them. My Model 15-2. It's a poor picture, with bad lighting, but you can see that it doesn't really fit this gun. Not the BK's fault, but the fault of the Eagle grips the gun is wearing. They're just a little "fatter" than a normal Magna type Smith and Wesson grip. I've since moved it ot my Model 67 where it fits perfectly and looks like serious business. Just no picture of it with it on.

But to be honest, most of my guns wear some kind of target type grips today.