S&W 41 and the Herrett National grips

Hello - new bullseye shooter here.  Recently obtained a vintage (made in late 50's) S&W model 41, which turned out to be very accurate and functions great with CCI standard velocity.  

My hands are medium size, but with short fingers, so the stock grips are uncomfortable. After using Google for some time, I decided on the Herrett National grips and ordered them.  They are supposedly slimmer and will fit my hand better.  While waiting for them to arrive, I thought I should start planning on building up on them to customize them (wood putty or epoxy), which is something I've never done before.  

I'm just wondering if anyone else is using the Herrett National grips, and how do they feel about them.  Have you done any modifications?   Any tips and suggestions will be highly appreciated!  Pics for inspiration or just eye candy are welcome too    Thanks in advance!

Welcome to Precision Pistol!
When it's time to add putty, or wood filler, for custom fitting, consider Sugru. It's a polymer that is shapable, then dries to a grippy, tough finish.
Just add a layer to your undersized grips, squeeze your hand to make an impression, and let sit overnight.
https://sugru.com/

jwax wrote:Welcome to Precision Pistol!
When it's time to add putty, or wood filler, for custom fitting, consider Sugru. It's a polymer that is shapable, then dries to a grippy, tough finish.
Just add a layer to your undersized grips, squeeze your hand to make an impression, and let sit overnight.
https://sugru.com/

First time I hear of Sugru!  Read some on it now---very promising!  I assume that will permanently bond to the grip, yes?

Yes, very permanent! Tedious to remove if it gets into checkering, but if it fits your hand perfectly, no need to remove it.

I too, have a vintage 41 from 1958 with Herrett Nationals.  My hands are a bit large and I had to remove wood from the grips to allow my trigger finger to get a good position on the trigger face.  Herrett's have a generous amount of wood.  Get your Dremel ready.

oldsalt444 wrote:I too, have a vintage 41 from 1958 with Herrett Nationals.  My hands are a bit large and I had to remove wood from the grips to allow my trigger finger to get a good position on the trigger face.  Herrett's have a generous amount of wood.  Get your Dremel ready.

Heh...I thought the Herrett Nationals are actually slimmer than the original grips.  Oh well...good that I do have a Dremel

Be cautious about using Bondo or similar product. The grips on a 41 are designed to come off and on by going on directly to both sides. Hooking, bonding, binding both sides together means the grips are on there until you cut them off or break the bond. Also make sure no bondo is in the way of trigger guard to remove barrel. I would look for Herrett " automatic" grips as a better starting place for custom fit.