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I have, apparently, larger than average hands. I find my Pietta 1851 grips never really sit comfortably in my hand - with the pinkie finger underneath and the next one up awkwardly wrapped right on the edge of the bottom. I have heard that Pietta's 1860 Army has slightly longer grips. Is this true? And if so are the trigger guard and back strap a straight swap or is that where I'm likely to come unstuck in an otherwise cunning wheeze?

yes. 1860's are usually bigger, but depends on manufacturer. same answer for swapping

Yes, the Army frame is about 1/4” longer than the Navy frame, which is also used on the 1873 actually.

The problem you’re probably going to have is that Italian manufacturers have such subtle detail changes even within the same model, never mind two different ones. It can be done, people have been doing it since the inception of the 1860, but how feasible it will be with Piettas is the issue.

Thanks everyone. Suitably armed I'm going to see if I can get further clarity from Pietta (and try an unsubtle blag for parts gratis).

Holding with the little finger under the grip ensures that you always pick up the pistol in the same way. I have very large hands and this method has always worked for me.
Fred

FredB wrote:Holding with the little finger under the grip ensures that you always pick up the pistol in the same way. I have very large hands and this method has always worked for me.
Fred

I too always pick up the pistol in the same way. Unfortunately that same way feels uncomfortable in the hand and results in me kind of squirming about for a better purchase that I know I'm not going to achieve. I want to pick up my pistol and have it just feel right - as if I'm instinctively pointing a finger at the target. At present I'm not getting that.