As a number of people have noted on here, the standard issue 1873 grip frame is very uncomfortable to shoot with, I replaced my grip frame with a steel 1860 frame which I bought from VTI they just fitted straight on, but I did take a few thou off the sides of the trigger plate to get an invisible join line, I also made three pairs of Exhibition Walnut grips, as I had lost the blue in taking metal off the sides, I thought it would be a good idea to make three pairs before I re finished the grip frame, the difference is amazing ! Only problem now is the back of the trigger guard , they must have had tiny hands in 1873.