Did S&W change their standard revolver grips?

[glug]

I am looking to buy a new 686+ and I am just wondering what kind of grips come on them these days.

I always liked the classic hogue rubber grips like this:



But on the S&W website the new grips look totally different like this:



I searched around but couldn't find any mention of them changing grips. Is this a new thing? Anyone tried the new grips? They look a lot less comfortable to me...I liked the deep finger grooves on the old ones. Just wondering if I'm going to have to shell out for replacements right away.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

You wouldn't have to shell out much extra cash. The Hogues like in the top picture can be bought for less than $30.

One thing S&W has done through the years is change the grips. What's standard changes every few years. Recent years its been some form of rubber for sure.

 

[bluetopper]

If S&W can put those on for less money I would not at all be surprised if they changed.

The vast majority of changes to production firearms today is for the sake of cost cutting, not for the improvement of them.

Don't forget some nice walnut grips for Sundays.

 

[Hammerdown77]

If I'm not mistaken, the NEW grips S&W is putting on the guns completely cover the backstrap, and have less aggressive finger grooves than the Hogues they used previously.

I for one would welcome a grip that covers the backstrap on their magnums, especially if it has a little "give" to it at the top.

 

[glug]

Ok, I guess I'll give the new grips a shot. If I don't like them it looks like I can pick up the Hogue ones pretty cheap: http://www.amazon.com/Hogue-Rubber-Round-Conversion-Monogrip/dp/B000STKJ5Y

Anyone know how hard it is to change them out? Is it an easy DIY job?

 

[sidheshooter]

Hey, check it out! S&W grip circa 2012 equals GP-100 grip Circa 1992...

Thank you. I'll be here all week.

 

[mxl]

Glug--changing the grips on the older ones is easy. One screw on the bottom. The new ones are likely the same.