Once upon a time I bought Hogue rubber grips for Beretta 92/96 series. They sat in a storage for some time, but as I recently wrote about Pachmayr grips for Beretta 84, I remembered these ones.
I decided to try them on my MGC Beretta 96 - same dimensions as 92, just chambered for .40 S&W instead of 9mm. Actually this is not exactly MGC model, as it does not feature MGC name on box or manual. Manufacturer is given as Shin Nihon Mokei (SNM) and I think it's either brand used by MGC for export, or company that operated MGC during it's bankruption period. Details are welcome :-)
Modelgun grips are just plain panels made of hard plastic. Each is held by two screws that can be easily undone. Remember to use a wide screwdriver to avoid scratching black painting/anodizing and making model look a bit worse.
What surprised me was a writing under left grip informing that Beretta trademarks are used legally. The same text is found on the box, I would not suspect that they would be placed also placed on a model itself - and in such a good place, out of the view!
- Quote :
This product is made in Japan by Shinnihonmokei Co,Ltd. and Beretta Trademarks are affixed under
license of FABRICA D'ARMI PIETRO BERETTA S.pA. and its exclusive licensee Western Arms Co,Ltd.
Hogue grips fit almost without problems. Right side easily aligned its screw holes with screw posts on the frame. Left side however had a problem - holes are spaced closer than posts. You can align just one at the time ;-) Hogue panels are constructed from two plastic stiff panels that are joined by and also covered by a rubber layer, so you cannot "stretch" plastic part of grip to get over the second post. It could probably also flex and crack frame itself.
Solution is simple - enlarge hole by about 1mm so the post can enter freely. Plastic is soft enough that you can do it (delicately) with a small knife.
Final result is very good. Grips fit well, they leave enough gap for correct operation of the trigger bar and slide. After screws are fully in there is also no gaps along the back and bottom edges - front edge is already fully covered by grip.
Grips rubber does not smell :-) However it will immediately grab any speck of dust in a mile diameter, as well as take over all dirt you might have on your palm and not even know about it. They manage to do it as soon as you take your eyes off grips right after you just cleaned them thoroughly. Maintenance nightmare ;-)
Hogue grip is comfortable and makes for a non-slip hold. Finger grooves at the front are ok, but somehow they make my pinky interfere with the next finger up. This is probably because there is slightly less space for fingers due to grooves' shape.
If you would like to see a review of the whole modelgun - make your wish in appropriate thread ;-)
Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:14 pm
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