Member
Joined: 01 Dec 2005
Posts: 1550
Location: Minnesota and Florida
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As you know, Nasty-G, checkering does not prevent cutting, rasping and sanding. Checkering is not sacred, probably especially on a Matador. I'm not trying to be a smart-a55, but you have your choices. If you value a straight grip more than your checkering, then you go for the straight grip.
Make sure the line between the lower tang/trigger guard lines up sufficiently straight to the toe of the buttstock so you don't wind up with a "goose neck" look. Then cut, reshape and sand away, checkering be damned. Same with your forend. Then refinish. If you like it after that without checkering, you're done. If you decide you need checkering it can always be re-cut and blended with any of the remaining checkering pattern if desired. All it takes is money. I did something similar with a Remington 1889 hammer gun, and I had a really nice checkering re-do for $50. YMMV of course. I'm guessing you, having done one pistol grip job before, already know all of this, so my apologies if I'm preaching to the choir. I'm just trying to encourage you to see the opportunities you have. This could be a great project, and mostly DIY with a little patience and skills either possessed or learned in the process.
If the drops and lengths are not ideal, the time to correct them is when you've got the finish stripped off after you've cut off that pistol grip. The comb can be cut off and shimmed up with similar wood if it is too low, or cut/sanded down if it is too high. Spacers and recoil pads can correct your LOP. Remember to balance the gun to your liking as you do this. I realize this might be carrying things a bit too far for some, but you could wind up with a nice custom fit gun, giving you much pride in the accomplishment thereof. I say, and you can quote me: "Anything worth doing in moderation must certainly be worth doing in excess." !
Cheers!
PS: Don't forget to show us the pictures when you're done. Thanks! |
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