Model 97 banging finger

[makilly]

I have a .45/.45ACP model 97 that reco.ils against my middle finger. It is a5.5 model with micarta grips. I have tried different  ways of holding it but still does it. Has anyone else had this p  roblem? I don`t know if its a function of large hands and a smaller revolver frame or what else it could be. Thanks Makilly      PS I use a shooting glove.

[zac0419]

I have the same gun, right down to micarta grips, and this is the first gun that  isn't bashing my knuckle. My Ruger Bisley 45 smashes the poo out of my middle knuckle (heavy loaded) but this FA97 does not. Sorry I can't help with the WHY.

 I would like to think I grip the guns in a similar manner, so I cant figure it. I also shoot with a basic weight lifting glove.

ref. My hands are big too, thin but big (I'm tall and skinny)

[tatonka]

Yep, I have a model 97 in 44 special and I get the same treatment. I'm currently looking for a set of oversized grips to alleviate the problem. I have a couple Ruger 44 specials and they don't seem to bang me up as bad as the model 97. The 97 sur is a fine handgun. I also have a model 83 in 454 Casull and it does not ding me on the middle finger. Must be the difference in grip angle and different frame size. Good shooting!

[Swampman]

Wear a glove....I have for years.

[doghawg]

Me too...Mine is a 5 1/2" .44 spl with micartas and I wear shooting gloves with extra padding on the signal digit. I like the grip shape and general "feel" of the gun and have no plans to change grips but I stick to 250 SWC's @ 1000 fps. If magnum level loads are needed I'll use a Model 83. 

[Not the 10th Man]

Sorry if I'm resurrecting a thread no one cares about, but I think it was still on the first page, and maybe if it bounces up another time or two we can find ideas for those of us who love the 97, but don't care much for the tough love we get in return.

I go through the same issue with my model 97 and my 83.  I think it has to do with my hand shape., which is very short fingers, with XXX thickness all the way around.
 
Something I've experimented with, which will make many here absolutely cringe is to wrap my grips with hockey tape.  Yes, that beautiful revolver with those high dollar grips, wrapped with black hockey tape.  For my 83 it helps resist the whole "single action roll" which I know they're supposed to do, but I still don't like.  Might be worth a shot.  In any case it's good to hear that I'm not the only one. 

[Graybeard]

I don't recall seeing this thread first time around but my only suggestion would be to back off on the loads. I shot some pretty dang hot loads thru my .45 Colt FA97 and don't recall any banged fingers tho some were hot enough the hammer brought blood during recoil. I figured out that to make it enjoyable I just shouldn't shoot such loads.

In an FA97 in either .44 Special or .45 Colt a 250 or so grain cast bullet at 950-1000 fps will do anything that needs done with it.

[Ladobe]

I DUNNO?   Probably technique, but maybe grips, maybe hand size?   I've had lots of handguns that beat up friends who shot them, even drew blood sometimes, one time even when the friend with long handcannon experience was wearing a shooting glove by a 454 Casull shooting stout loads... but it nor the others beat me.   I hate gloves, so have never worn them for any handgun, handcannon or otherwise.   I also don't download ammo either, if I want a pop gun I'll buy a pop gun.   Some I've had were a handful because of torque, some because of recoil, some you had to pay attention to where your head was right after the shot because it WAS going to come by.   But none of them ever got a finger or other body part enough to pay it much mind.   I don't remember ever getting bit enough to remember it since I started shooting handguns in the 50's as a kid on the ranch (22RF's up to SA Colt 45's then).   Can only suggest the why not in my case as being from technique?  Maybe because I don't try to overly "control" a handgun in recoil and just roll with the flow?   Maybe from mostly always having grips that fit my hand, factory or custom?  Maybe from progressively working up over the years to the baddest I owned?   Maybe while a big guy with very strong hands I don't have overly large hands?  I DUNNO. 

[Steve P]

I have had my Ruger SBH ding my fingers shooting a super hot 300 grain load.  This book load was also hot enough to blow the ejector housing off this same gun.  A set of grips from Steve Herrett resolved that.  Now Hogue makes a grip that protects the fingers from the trigger housing.
 
A friend of mine sent in his FA grip frame and had Steve make him a set of grips.  Might help you also.  www.herrett-stocks.com.
 
Steve

[kmcmichael]

I am interested in a 97. I have 2 83s and really like them. Having large hands makes me want to handle one first.

[MePlat]

I know you are looking for an exotic fix but here is one that is not exotic and it is called band aids.  I have used band aids for years and they work.  Just put a couple with the pads over top of the callous or injured place and have at it.
Too after a while if you shoot enough (most don't shoot as much as they should) a callous will form and it will take a lot of pounding.
Try the band aids.  Simple, works and don't cost a fortune.