Melvin Tyler's T-Grip Adapters

sheepherder · 10-04-2014, 11:17 AM

Anyone reading a gun magazine or SGN back in the 70's (and earlier) knows Melvin's ads for his revolver grip adapters. A small aluminum piece that fit between the trigger guard and gripframe. My first revolver (IIRC) was a S&W Model 19 nickel plated 2 1/2" barreled round-butt .357. Adjustable rear sight, heavily checker-cut trigger & hammer. It was big, not really concealable. And it had considerable recoil. Uncomfortable to shoot.

Back then, you communicated by letter or phone. I had noticed Melvin Tyler's adapters, so I ordered one. Very nicely made; polished cast aluminum. Had a small "U" shaped clip that fit between the two stock wood grips. I was concerned about the adapter slipping, so I drilled & tapped both the adapter and the gripframe for a screw, and I dispensed with the "U" clip.

Tyler had a picture on his adapter boxes of a S&W revolver with his adapter, which I liked. A week or so ago, I had the chance to purchase a S&W Model 15 blued 2" barreled square-butt 38 Spl revolver. I have two other Model 15's with different barrel lengths and fit with S&W's 'target' grips. (I also carried a S&W 4" 38 Spl Model 14 [identical to the 15] in the AF Reserve). I still had some of Tyler's grip adapters from 'the old days', so I fit it with one.

Much better grip, for me. In the past, I've tried Pachmayr, Hogue, and similar rubber and wood grips, but never liked any of them. Tyler's grip adapter has always been the best grip for me.

While fitting the adapter to my Model 15, I did a Google Search for Melvin Tyler T-Grips Adapters and was surprised to find that the company was still in business.

http://www.t-grips.com/

I had read some time back that Melvin had passed away. There's not much on the site as to the company's origins. Melvin & his wife did all the order-taking & shipping. He always included a small slip of paper with biblical scripture on it.

The pic below shows my two 'snub' revolvers, both with the polished aluminum adapters. They were/are also available in satin finish, as well as shiny anodized black and satin black.

There was at least one competitor with a similar adapter in plastic; cheaper, and not as comfortable. IIRC, it moved around too much. I trashed it eventually.

I've ordered a couple more, and I'll be screwing the latest adapter to my 2" Model 15 later this month.

It's nice to see that the company has survived. Quality product, niche market. Very nice.

10-04-2014, 11:17 AM	#1
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,197 Thanks: 1,416 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	Melvin Tyler's T-Grip Adapters Anyone reading a gun magazine or SGN back in the 70's (and earlier) knows Melvin's ads for his revolver grip adapters. A small aluminum piece that fit between the trigger guard and gripframe. My first revolver (IIRC) was a S&W Model 19 nickel plated 2 1/2" barreled round-butt .357. Adjustable rear sight, heavily checker-cut trigger & hammer. It was big, not really concealable. And it had considerable recoil. Uncomfortable to shoot. Back then, you communicated by letter or phone. I had noticed Melvin Tyler's adapters, so I ordered one. Very nicely made; polished cast aluminum. Had a small "U" shaped clip that fit between the two stock wood grips. I was concerned about the adapter slipping, so I drilled & tapped both the adapter and the gripframe for a screw, and I dispensed with the "U" clip. Tyler had a picture on his adapter boxes of a S&W revolver with his adapter, which I liked. A week or so ago, I had the chance to purchase a S&W Model 15 blued 2" barreled square-butt 38 Spl revolver. I have two other Model 15's with different barrel lengths and fit with S&W's 'target' grips. (I also carried a S&W 4" 38 Spl Model 14 [identical to the 15] in the AF Reserve). I still had some of Tyler's grip adapters from 'the old days', so I fit it with one. Much better grip, for me. In the past, I've tried Pachmayr, Hogue, and similar rubber and wood grips, but never liked any of them. Tyler's grip adapter has always been the best grip for me. While fitting the adapter to my Model 15, I did a Google Search for Melvin Tyler T-Grips Adapters and was surprised to find that the company was still in business. http://www.t-grips.com/ I had read some time back that Melvin had passed away. There's not much on the site as to the company's origins. Melvin & his wife did all the order-taking & shipping. He always included a small slip of paper with biblical scripture on it. The pic below shows my two 'snub' revolvers, both with the polished aluminum adapters. They were/are also available in satin finish, as well as shiny anodized black and satin black. There was at least one competitor with a similar adapter in plastic; cheaper, and not as comfortable. IIRC, it moved around too much. I trashed it eventually. I've ordered a couple more, and I'll be screwing the latest adapter to my 2" Model 15 later this month. It's nice to see that the company has survived. Quality product, niche market. Very nice. Attached Thumbnails __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter... Last edited by sheepherder; 10-04-2014 at 12:56 PM.