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M88 vs. Speed Loader & The Fix

Posted: 22 Nov 2015 16:09
by GasGuzzler
My stainless 1980's M88 snub wouldn't accept speed loaders for several reasons. Here's a few minor and barely noticeable mods to make speed loaders work with these guns.

Here's an image to show the issue. The OEM wooden grips, the crane release, and the side of the frame all interfere.

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Shown is the lower edge of the crane release has been carefully rolled over using a small file then blended finish-wise using sand paper and ScotchBrite.

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Here both sides of the crane stop has been filed back to allow the crane to open about 0.010" farther. That gets the cylinder out away from the gun just enough for the loader to clear the side of the frame. DON NOT GO TOO FAR OR THE CYLINDER WILL FALL OFF THE CRANE WHEN OPEN.

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Finally....the cheating part (buying something). I got lucky and found these random factory take off grips with Rossi emblems at a show. I think I paid $8 for them. They were not a perfect fit but modified easily to fit well. I don't like their looks compared to the walnut ones but the gun fits better in the hand than with the skinny factory grips.

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Re: M88 vs. Speed Loader & The Fix

Posted: 29 Nov 2015 21:41
by Arroyoshark
Thanks, GG. Good info.

Re: M88 vs. Speed Loader & The Fix

Posted: 04 Jul 2016 20:22
by GasGuzzler
Oops. I got two more of these to fix now. Worst part is they're both new enough to be Braztech/Taurus. I've never had either until now. One is 1999 and one is 2012. Both newer than I'd have previously expected to buy.

Re: M88 vs. Speed Loader & The Fix

Posted: 05 Jul 2016 13:54
by Ranch Dog
Great post!