Loose Grips

GunPilot · 04-09-2003, 11:27 AM

Hi,

I'm new to the forum. I just acquired a nice 1917 artillery with original grips. However, the grips are somewhat loose - probably from shrinkage due to old age. Is there anyway I can get the grips to "swell" to fit tighter?

Thanks in advance for the help,

Roger

John Sabato · 04-09-2003, 11:34 AM

Soaking them for an extended period in warm water would probably make them swell slightly, but I recommend that you put the original grips away and put some nice reproduction grips on for display... and if you are planning on shooting the Luger, don't ever shoot your Luger with the old grips... Those old grips are real prone to cracking and breaking...

GunPilot · 04-09-2003, 12:29 PM

JS,

Thanks for the info - along the lines I was thinking but wanted to get some help from those that know a lot more about this than I do. Much appreciated....

Roger

John Sabato · 04-09-2003, 12:54 PM

One method that also works if you just want to keep the original grips on but don't want them to feel loose when you hold the gun is to get a couple of neoprene O-rings from a local home improvement or hardware store and install one of appropriate size under the grip screw... they tend to mush out and fill in the gaps without causing any damage...

GunPilot · 04-09-2003, 05:31 PM

JS,

Thanks again. Another good tip!

Roger

04-09-2003, 11:27 AM	#1
GunPilot New User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Loose Grips Hi, I'm new to the forum. I just acquired a nice 1917 artillery with original grips. However, the grips are somewhat loose - probably from shrinkage due to old age. Is there anyway I can get the grips to "swell" to fit tighter? Thanks in advance for the help, Roger

04-09-2003, 11:34 AM	#2
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Soaking them for an extended period in warm water would probably make them swell slightly, but I recommend that you put the original grips away and put some nice reproduction grips on for display... and if you are planning on shooting the Luger, don't ever shoot your Luger with the old grips... Those old grips are real prone to cracking and breaking... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

04-09-2003, 12:54 PM	#4
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	One method that also works if you just want to keep the original grips on but don't want them to feel loose when you hold the gun is to get a couple of neoprene O-rings from a local home improvement or hardware store and install one of appropriate size under the grip screw... they tend to mush out and fill in the gaps without causing any damage... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

04-09-2003, 12:29 PM	#3
GunPilot New User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	JS, Thanks for the info - along the lines I was thinking but wanted to get some help from those that know a lot more about this than I do. Much appreciated.... Roger

04-09-2003, 05:31 PM	#5
GunPilot New User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	JS, Thanks again. Another good tip! Roger