Posted: 3/3/2007 5:40:13 PM EDT
I've got a 3953 for some time now and it's a kick ass gun out of the box gun with one exception. The problem, which I've seen and heard before, is that if there was ever a gun that needed an arched mainspring housing, it's this one.  So, outside of the overly large Hogue wood and rubber grips and make shift bike tubing, what the heck else is out there? I want to say at one time there was a guy in MA somewhere that was doing a plastic melt job of some sort, but this was years ago and he was never widespread. |
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Funny, I hate the S&W arched grips and always swap out to the straight back grips. Personal preference, I guess. I don't think there are any options for an arched grip other than the Hogues. If I remember correctly, there was a guy on the S&W Forum who was cutting down full-size grips to fit compact guns, but he was doing it to eliminate the arch, not add it. There is one more option. Just pick up a used set of grips and try it yourself. It would basically be like doing the grip mod on a Glock, but instead of taking the arch out, you'd be adding it. Get some Brownell's Acra-Glas and have at it. I would suggest using a Dremel if you have one, if not, use a rough file and emery cloth, to roughen up where you want to add material. Then, set the grip into a block of clay, coating every part of the grip you don't want to modify with release agent. Form the clay block behind the grip into a slightly oversized arch in the shape you want, and coat the clay with release agent, too. pour in the Acra-Glas and let it set. After it dries for at least 24 hours, take it out and start shaping it. Look at it this way, if it doesn't work out, all you are losing is whatever you paid for a used grip! Other than that, I really don't know what to tell you. The Hogue's are the only option out there that I know of. If you feel up to it, give it a shot and let us know how it turns out! |
Here I am trying to save money and time and now it's another project. I had a feeling that was going to be the route I'd have to go. Home made custom grip modifications. Those damn Hogue's are just to thick for the gun and take away from it's best attribute IMHO, it's "flatness". The factory grips are just fine for me with that one little exception...the arch. Hell, I even swapped out my 4506 grips for a hell of a difference. I have the stuff lying around save for the extra set of grips which should be fairly easy to find. Once I get to it, I'll post my results and some pics. Almost forgot, I didn't have much optimism in your post as I just happened to notice your post count before I read it....it only figures the devil would tell me there's no hope! 
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Yeah, that I hate that number, too! Hogue's suck on autos, IMO. I swapped them off of 3913's I've bought before in favor of the factory grips. But, I also swap out the arched grips for flat whenever I can, too. I may be doing a modified grip for my 6946 and 4013TSW, too, since you can't get a straight one for that. Post pics when you are done with the grips. |