If it's weird and it works...

The grip on my cut-down Taurus 85 worked well; though tiny it allowed me to control the gen very well, even with +P loads. But it has an Achilles Heel- it is difficult to deploy the gun quickly from the holster. It took a bit of working around to get my hand properly positioned. It was time for a change...

I came up with this Bocote wood grip as an alternative. I wanted something easy and intuitive to grab, and after some fussing around I arrived at this shape. It looks weird as hell but it works- it's very easy to get a proper hold on the gun, and it points naturally.




The question is, 'How is it to shoot?' As it turns out- it's good. I can maintain a secure grip, no shifting between shots so follow up shots come quickly and accurately. If it's weird and it works...
Yeah, OK. It's still weird.
PS- apparently there is a similar grip for a full-sized J-frame. It's also weird.

Eddietruett said:

Ok, I'll bite. Why? Easier to conceal? I would think it would be just about as easy to conceal with a grip that allowed you more control. Maybe its better than it looks, but from appearance it does not look like it would be easy to control with +P type rounds in a rapid fire type situation. I forget which brand, but there is a rubber grip out there that looks very similar to what you have. Sort of a wedge looking grip. I had to try one. Shooting Single Action, it was fairly good, but drawing and shooting rapid fire I never felt like I was fully in control of the gun. In case of that type situation (and hopefully I'll never know) I want to feel like I'm in total control of my gun. Not knocking what you have come up with by any means, if it works for you that's great but it appears just too small

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No worries- it doesn't look as if it ought to work!

The whole point of this project was to see how small I could make a J-frame size revolver without compromising function. The original grip achieved that nicely; quite controllable even with +P ammo. The video shows me (using the original grip shown above) firing SAAMI max 125gr. HPs. +P was just as controllable, but not as pleasant.


The new grip looks less secure, but it forces my grip very high on the gun, which aids both retention and control. I had no trouble controlling the gun in rapid-fire with Buffalo Bore short-barrel 158gr. LSWCHPs. While these cartridges are standard pressure they throw the 158gr. bullet faster than +P offerings from other companies. Next time we're at the range I'll get video of shooting with this grip.

You can't really tell from the picture but I actually have all three fingers on the grip- though the pinky is only partially on.

Eddietruett said:

Today, with all the selections out there, making a set of target grips by hand would be a time consuming task that can be completed in minutes using all the computer design hardware.

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Yep- basically I make them by hand because I enjoy it- and occasionally because no one makes grips for the gun I want them on.

entropy said:

Yours looks a lot nicer.

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It's also a lot smaller. This is the grip I mentioned in the original post. Put it on an LCR and you have... The Bat Gun!

Robin: The Joker is getting away! Use the Bat Gun!
Batman throws gun
Robin facepalms

Had Linda take some video of me shooting this afternoon. These are not light loads, BTW- they are maximim listed loads for a 140gr jacketed bullet.

Master Blaster said:

How did you accommodate the mainspring when you cut the frame down? Picture without the grip would be great.

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I left just enough room for it.

Kookla said:

Are you able to get a good purchase on it with your ring finger? Looks like you left just enough to get a good hold from what I can tell. Regardless, looks sweet!

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Yes, the grip is surprisingly secure. With the original shorty grip I realized I was gripping it from the bottom with my ring-finger, so this grip capitalizes on that.