Aqualung
Blackhawk
Thanks all. I'm glad to have these in my collection.
My latest mission was to get some replacement factory grips for the Chief's Special. I've come to "not hate" the oversized grip that's on it, but I like things as original as possible, so I went on the hunt for some stock panels that were of similar condition to the gun. Boy, was I surprised at the costs for original factory stocks...
After more research, I think my Chief's Special was made between 1966 and 1969. The serial#, puts it between 1962 and 1969 and it's not a "flat latch", which ended in 1966. I then found that there are "diamond style" grips, which were standard up until 1968...so mine *could* have had diamond grips installed.
So, I found a set of diamond grips in pretty decent shape for what I found to be a reasonable price...they need a little oil/cleaning, but the medallions are still pretty sharp and legible. In fact, the number stamped inside them is much higher than the serial# on my gun, so I'm thinking I made the right call to find a set of "period-possible" grips.
They look so much more appropriate on the little snub.
I also found a set of Pachmayr compact grips that fill the hand a little more, but not nearly as obtrusively as the "original" oversized ones. They might stay on the gun, but the key will be what Mrs. Aqualung likes best.
Even they look so much better and allow for use with the speed loaders I bought for it.
I'm ready to hit the range with them now...I loaded up 200 wadcutters for this and the K38 and and 50 125grn JHPs to try out to work in this one so I can load it up with the Federal +P 125grn loads I keep in the SP101 for Mrs Aqualung.
I'm seriously overdue at the range...I've got these two and a Walther P38 to test out!
Aqualung
My latest mission was to get some replacement factory grips for the Chief's Special. I've come to "not hate" the oversized grip that's on it, but I like things as original as possible, so I went on the hunt for some stock panels that were of similar condition to the gun. Boy, was I surprised at the costs for original factory stocks...
After more research, I think my Chief's Special was made between 1966 and 1969. The serial#, puts it between 1962 and 1969 and it's not a "flat latch", which ended in 1966. I then found that there are "diamond style" grips, which were standard up until 1968...so mine *could* have had diamond grips installed.
So, I found a set of diamond grips in pretty decent shape for what I found to be a reasonable price...they need a little oil/cleaning, but the medallions are still pretty sharp and legible. In fact, the number stamped inside them is much higher than the serial# on my gun, so I'm thinking I made the right call to find a set of "period-possible" grips.
They look so much more appropriate on the little snub.
I also found a set of Pachmayr compact grips that fill the hand a little more, but not nearly as obtrusively as the "original" oversized ones. They might stay on the gun, but the key will be what Mrs. Aqualung likes best.
Even they look so much better and allow for use with the speed loaders I bought for it.
I'm ready to hit the range with them now...I loaded up 200 wadcutters for this and the K38 and and 50 125grn JHPs to try out to work in this one so I can load it up with the Federal +P 125grn loads I keep in the SP101 for Mrs Aqualung.
I'm seriously overdue at the range...I've got these two and a Walther P38 to test out!
Aqualung