Thanks to all for allowing me on this forum.
I have very little to contribute as I am not too savvy on firearms in general but I do have 3 GP 100's (@ the expense of many Smiths I have had and just sold the last one a few months ago.)
Over the years I have had all kinds of 357's, from the desirable 5 screw Smiths in all models and barrel lengths to the later stainless models; also Colt Pythons which I now have none of tho i stil admire and respect them. In my experience the GP is a REAL .357, utile beyond mere fashion and the best revolver for the intended cartridge.
My problem is the grip alignment pin in my 1988 6" half lug GP 100.
It has the original 2 piece Lett grips and I want to put the Redhawk Hogues (w/the blue lining) on it since they are a much better fit for me, but I cannot remove the alignment pin.
I have read and searched for weeks and found that the pin can be 'pushed' out by using a vise and a socket which I tried 3 times, but the pin will not budge.
My vise is a medium sized one and I am asking if I took it to someone with a huge vise if the pin could be pressed out or if anyone else had my problem and found a different manner of removing this pin. (I know better than to 'hammer' on it.)
I hope I will not have to have the pin machined flush with the grip frame then bored or reamed out.
Thank for any advice.
I have very little to contribute as I am not too savvy on firearms in general but I do have 3 GP 100's (@ the expense of many Smiths I have had and just sold the last one a few months ago.)
Over the years I have had all kinds of 357's, from the desirable 5 screw Smiths in all models and barrel lengths to the later stainless models; also Colt Pythons which I now have none of tho i stil admire and respect them. In my experience the GP is a REAL .357, utile beyond mere fashion and the best revolver for the intended cartridge.
My problem is the grip alignment pin in my 1988 6" half lug GP 100.
It has the original 2 piece Lett grips and I want to put the Redhawk Hogues (w/the blue lining) on it since they are a much better fit for me, but I cannot remove the alignment pin.
I have read and searched for weeks and found that the pin can be 'pushed' out by using a vise and a socket which I tried 3 times, but the pin will not budge.
My vise is a medium sized one and I am asking if I took it to someone with a huge vise if the pin could be pressed out or if anyone else had my problem and found a different manner of removing this pin. (I know better than to 'hammer' on it.)
I hope I will not have to have the pin machined flush with the grip frame then bored or reamed out.
Thank for any advice.