[WebHobbit]

I got to fire a few rounds of Magnum fodder through my new SP101 today and I have to say that Ruger beats the snot out of S&W now for a number of reasons (lack of the silly lock is one) but the number one reason is the grip stud design.

When I shoot a S&W revolver I HAVE TO have grips that leave the back-strap exposed due to my small hands/short fingers.

That syle of grips work well for me on J-Frames and my two L-frames. With the Ruger SP101 (and the GP100, SuperRedHawk)no matter what grips you choose you obviously will NOT have metal exposed to your hand since it HAS no "real" grip frame. :)

You average to large handed shooters I'm sure have always enjoyed grips that cover the back-strap with soft rubber cushioning your hand from stinging Magnums.

I put some rubber Hogues on my SP and now even my little hobbit hands can enjoy the cushioning effect.

:neener:

[Jim March]

Yup :).

Ruger's DA designs are really, really good. Also heavy, but...hey, they WORK :D.

[JohnKSa]

I've tried switching out grips on my GP100 a couple of times but have always gone back to stock.

[Rob96]

I have also tried the Hogues and gone back to the stock grips.

[WebHobbit]

Stock grips do not fill in behind the trigger gaurd and I just can't stand that.

[444]

That's funny, I never saw this subject discussed before. I also liked the grips on my GP100 so much that I have never even condisered changing them. I did change the grips on my SP101 and don't like the new ones at all. One reason is that they arn't well made. They are those Secret Service grips, but mine don't line up with each other and move around. I am going back to the excellent stock grips.

[Bob]

I love the grips on the GP and have never considered changing them. But, I did change the SP to Uncle Mike's boot grips. For two reasons, they allow concealed carry in the front pocket of my pants (jeans or dockers), and they change the way recoil energy is directed and, for me anyway, make recoil management more efficient.
Bob

[braindead0]

I changed my GP grips to Hogue..I like finger grooves...and the larger size is nice.

[JohnK]

I like the stock grips on my 3" GP100, but LOVE the hardwood Hogues on the 4". Those Hogues just fit my hand like a glove. I wish Ruger would adapt the Redhawk to use the same grip frame.

[9mmepiphany]

webhobbit - the sp101 was designed not to need a filler behind the trigger guard. the depth of the frame behind the trigger guard to the exposed hammer is longer than a comparable smith/taurus

the stud mounting for the grips was a major design advancement in wheelguns. i'm only sorry to see that only ruger has followed the lead of dan wesson

[rage]

Intersesting thread webhobbit. I'm fondling a Hogue cocobolo grip that was meant for my GP141. I didn't like the feel after a stint at the range, so I put the original back. Anybody want it for half price just PM me. I believe it also fits a SuPredhawk. One tiny flaw near the trigger side.

Also, just today, I ordered a pair of Lett grip inserts(winewood) for my SP101 snubby. Iwas told they add some width to the center of grip, PLUS rubber grip from Hogue. Hoping one of these fixes will allow extended playtime with 357mag. I almost picked-up a S&W M66 snub, but I still like the SP for concealment, and would like to see "the cushioning effect".;)

[JohnKSa]

I generally do a little surgery on the factory grips.

The speedloader cutout leaves a ridge on the left side of the grips that will chew on your thumb knuckle in extended range visits.

I trim the ridge off, then use progressively finer sandpaper to get the trimmed area smooth.

That leaves the grip properly contoured and smooth, but the finish in the trimmed area doesn't look like the rest of the grip. VERY carefully use a cigarette lighter to heat the trimmed spot and then quickly wipe it with an oil soaked cloth while it's still hot to get it back to looking like the rest of the grip.

It's easier to reheat and wipe again if you don't get it hot enough than it is to unheat, so don't go overboard on the heating bit.

I've done this on three grips so far and it's pretty much undetectable unless you know exactly what you're looking for. Over time it becomes even harder to see. Makes a big difference in the shooting comfort though.

[Master Blaster]

444,

They are those Secret Service grips, but mine don't line up with each other and move around. I am going back to the excellent stock grips.

Did you use the short metal locator stud that came with the original grips with the ss grips?
I bought a pair of butler creek bantam boot grips for my sp101 and I forgot the stud when first I put them on, and they did not line up and they moved around. Then I realized my mistake (because the BC grips did not come with the stud I assumed they did not need them), with the stud in place the grips are great, and I like them alot on my sp101.