[FJC]

I'm considering some of the Ahrends Cocobolo finger-grip wood grips for my S&W 340PD. I want something that isn't as grabby on my clothes/in my pocket as the rubber grips that came with it.

Anyone out there have any opinions on those grips? Are they about the same size as the stock hogue grips, or larger? Also, I noticed that Ahrends makes "j-frame" grips, and "airlite" grips - I'm assuming I need the airlite ones, but what's the difference?

Thanks!

[Walosi]

Not familiar with "airlite" grips, but I have Ahrends on several revolvers and am well pleased with them. If you are into exotic woods, it is hard to find his equal. The only site I know of with pics is:

http://www.pickagrip.com/Catalogs/Smithw/smith%20wesson%20grips%20J1.htm

This is their J Frame page, and shows a good representation of his J frame boot grips.

[FJC]

On that page, notice how the second ones from the top say "Airlite J" vs. the others that say just "J-frame"? The look the same, though.

I just don't want to get j-frame grips and find for some reason that they don't fit my 340PD... :)

[Walosi]

HMMmmm...I just had a stroke of pure genius :p Call (515) 532-3449, and ask Mrs. Judy Ahrends, or e-mail them at ahrends@wmtel.net for a sure answer.

[FJC]

Great, thanks for the info - I'll email them and ask. :)

[snubby]

I have Ahrends cocobolo grips on my L frame (681) and N frame (629 ML) Smiths, and they're great additions to fine wheelguns. On my J frame (340 PD) I put on Craig Spegel grips. Wood grips really do help in the IWB carry mode (less snag by covering shirt), and they improve draw from a pocket holster. You'll enjoy the Ahrends!

[Kentucky Rifle]

I just put some Hogue Pau Ferro wood grips on my 638. Granted, it's not an AirLite (weighs 15 oz.), but the Hogues fit well and seem to be a little wider to spread out the recoil impulse. I bought the smooth grips. Looked better to me, plus they were less expensive. (And THAT is amazing! Usually what I like the most, seems to have the HIGHEST price!) I'm pretty sure that they make Cocobolo grips too. Smooth or checkered.

KR

[FJC]

Ok, got an answer back already from Ahrends - he didn't describe the difference between the j-frame and airlite grips, but did state that the 340PD needs the Airlite ones.

I have them ordered - I'll post a picture once I get them. :) Should dress up this revolver a bit, and make it less clothing/pocket grabby.

[Walosi]

I have Ahrends on two Ks, an L, and three Ns. Two are Moradillo, which I had never seen before (from Columbia and Peru) and the rest are Cocobolo. The Cocobolo grain variety runs from highly figured to very deep, "lit from the inside" straight grain. Color variations are beyond description. Fit and finish have been almost perfect. I have always put aftermarket grips on my revolvers over the past 50 years. Refinishing was always a part of it, and now it has become as much a part of the hobby, as loading. Refitting has been necessary with some 75-80% of these grips - only once with the Ahrends, and it was a case of shrinkage which was solved by some dedicated oiling. Kims' comment was "Go ahead and try it - if it doesn't work, send them back anyway". This particular set was too pretty to send back, even if the re-fit hadn't worked....they would have gone on the mantle as decorations :D

[FJC]

Ok, got the grips, love 'em, they look great and they're just perfect for making this little boomer even more concealable. Not grabby at all like the standard Hogue grips, and I think they are even a little bit slimmer.

Here's the promised pictures:

http://www.condron.com/pics/340/340wood3.JPG

http://www.condron.com/pics/340/340wood2.JPG

http://www.condron.com/pics/340/340wood1.JPG

[Walosi]

Nice photography. I'd do as well, if it weren't for lack of equipment....and talent :(
Kims' grips just don't seem to do much toward the "uglyfication" of a gun :D

[FJC]

Thanks! I'm using a pretty old digital camera, but I'm learning (slowly).

For these I used the tripod we normally only use for the video camera, and used the timer on the camera. Usually I take 3 pictures of each "pose" and pick the one where I shook the least focus-wise; using the timer on the tripod solved that issue.

I do think I needed more light for these, and a background that wasn't so light - I think it fooled the camera into under-exposing...

[Walosi]

I'm on a WebTV, using a 19" Quasar TV for a screen, and those shots came out very well indeed. You would need a light tent to knock out what little shadow is showing (my kid is a pro, so I know about this stuff...just can't do it). If you want to "prettify" that wood a little, shoot me an e-mail.