Grips

[jimk66]

Help.....S&W 640 and 642. Are larger grips available? Right now I hate shooting both of them because of the small grips. I don't care to hear any comments regarding concealability issues.
Can you just tell me where to find them if available?
Thanks,
JimK

 

[IMtheNRA]

Have you looked at Nill Grips from Germany? They offer some very large sizes and their grips are very, very comfy!

 

[Old Fuff]

Both the 640 and 642 Smith and Wesson's take standard round-butt, J-frame stocks, and it would seem that they're endless suppliers. For a starter, try www.cdnnsports.com - and also consider our own member "robbt". If concealment isn't an issue, consider stocks that convert the round-butt configuration to an easier-to-hold-on-to square butt one.

 

[Jackal]

No offense, but why didnt you try google? Dont waste THR's members time or energy. You can get all the info you could ever use by running a simple google search.:banghead:

 

[Old Fuff]

Gee....

I didn't consider my time to be wasted. A Google search presumes that a person knows enough to find the right key words or terms. A one paragraph answer didn't take but a couple minutes, and really - being able to get answers to questions is one reason The High Road is so popular.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

don't care to hear any comments regarding concealability issues.
Can you just tell me where to find them if available?

OK, I won't say anything about the concealability that you will lose.

Pachmayr makes their Gripper and Decelerator grips for your gun (S&W J-frame, round butt). They also have the Compac and Compac Professional, but these may not offer the cushioning you're looking for. Uncle Mike's/Butler Creek makes a slightly longer grip that adds length and covers the backstrap. Hogue makes the Monogrip in both wood and soft rubber. These do not typically cover the backstrap.

Dont waste THR's members time or energy.

It's OK, I had nothing better to do anyway.

 

[jwxspoon]

Hogue grips are larger than the factory grips IIRC.

jw

 

[Iggy]

I've got a minute or two to waste.

Take a look at Hogues, Pachmayrs, Ahrends, Spegels, Eagle, and Badger.

That will give you a sample from inexpensive to more expensive.. You can go higher, but that's a start.

 

[Vonderek]

8 pages of j-frame grips at Midway:

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.ex...tton.x=11&NextButton.y=11&RecordsReturned2=20

Dadgummit! There goes a minute of my day!!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree the "boot grips" on the J frame revolvers are hard to hold. S&W does have larger J frame rubber grips available Here. Pachmayer has many different full size grips for the J frame including their Gripper Grips and their Decelerator Grips. Badger makes good wood grips for the J frame revolver too. Remember, anything marked Boot grips or Secret Service grips are the small grips so stay away from them. Hogue has many different grips that are all good IMO. Both their rubber and wood grips are OK but don't buy "Bantam" grips because they are small and don't cover the backstrap. The Hogue J frame Monogrips are outstanding IMO.

That should get you started and probably confuse you more that you are already. Just look around and when you find something you think might be right. Then just ask here on the forum and someone will have probably already used those grips and can give you a first hand report.

 

[gruesomenewsom]

ive got pachmayr compacs on mine and i love them. They're slightly oversize so your pinky has something to grab onto, but still concealable. They cover the rear backstrap and make the gun very manageable to shoot. I've also got the really big grips from pachmayr (look like they belong on an L-frame). i havent shot the gun in those grips yet but that would imagineable be much more tame on recoil.

 

[harmonic]

Here's some miscellaneous grip makers. In case you'd be willing to buy custom/semi custom.


http://www.ahrendsgripsusa.com/
http://www.ajaxgrips.com/ajax/ajax
http://www.badgercustomgrips.com/
http://www.boonetrading.com/Grips-Ruger.html
http://www.clccustomgrips.com/
http://www.eaglegrips.com/styles.htm
http://www.esmeralda.cc/
http://www.gungrips.net/
http://www.herrett-stocks.com/herretts.htm
http://www.hogueinc.com/
http://www.inventorscolony.com/collinscraftgrips/index.php
http://www.kelleyarms.com/SWDA.htm
http://nill-griffe.de/cms_usa/
http://www.t-grips.com/
http://www.pachmayr.com/
www.wickedgrips.com
http://www.woodgrips.com/

 

[jimk66]

Gentlemen, I appologize for the snotty remark regarding "concealability issues", but I was so dambed steamed after unsuccessfully trying everything I could think of to work out my shooting skill and technique to resolve my problems I've had with my little S&W 640 and 642 stubbles.
Finally after over 200 rounds down range (this time) with targets ranging from 4 - 12 yrds I threw up my hands in disgust with myself and the guns, packed them up and headed home convinced I was ready to get rid of them. BUT, before I did and I know this is comparing apples and oranges I got out my little 9mm EMP and Sig P232 380acp just to make sure I wasn't having a very,very bad day. I proceeded to shoot consistant 2" groups at 36' with the 9mm and 2" groups at 20' with the 380acp so that answered that question. .
Anyway, thank you all again for your suggestions and the education....I'd never messed with revolvers until lately so differeft style names of the grips helped out alol in my understanding of what to look for. Boot grips, etc. (that'll keep me busy for awhile checking those out) on where I might find some larger grips that probably will help my situation with these little revolvers.
Jackal, Google's an unbelievable SE (thats short for Search Engine), thanks.
Hopefully, new grips will improve my opinion with these little stubbles (my first by the way).
I love shootiang my S&W 686+P with 4" brl and do very well with that big ol horse. , but thats also a different animal. It's my field gun loaded with mags....awsome wheel gun especially if I mount the redot on her.
Thanks again fellows and feel free to toss out any question you might have on firearms on here and I guarantee 99.9% of us here and the same goes for other forums will go out of our way to help a fellow shooter out. Reason is......most of us have been in the same boat and it feels good to help out.
Bless and thanks a million,
JimK

 

[Blueduck]

Not a grip issue but just a tip you might try.

I used a blackout pen on the rear sight of my 642, and put a little blaze orange sight paint on the front to give a better, sharper contrasting sight picture and got better results with mine (Nail polish works fine as well as on the front.)

Nothing like being a middle age bald guy going through the "wild" nail polish section looking for lime greens and bright oranges

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The problem with oversize grips is that they defeat the purpose of having a little gun, which is to hide in places that a larger gun cannot, and if excessively large you might as well go to a medium-frame revolver. The small-frame revolver, especially a lightweight or fleaweight one, is of the most difficult types of guns to shoot well.

 

[saemetric]

Herretts on J Frame

Here's what I have on my S&W M637 Airweight. They are Shooting Stars by Herrett. Some compromise in pocket but I carry in holster.

 

[Soybomb]

I have the same problem with a jframe, I've put herrett stocks on mine too ( I believe from our very own Brian Williams ) and also a t-grip in the front. It really helps fill my hand better now.



Jerry Miculek uses a different grip on a jframe that can really make boot grips work better too though, at least for me. Take a look toward the bottom of this page. http://www.shootingusa.com/PRO_TIPS/MICULEK2/miculek2.html

 

[P97]

I have large hands and when I first shot my 642 I hated it. I ordered a set of pachmayr grips and it made all the difference in the world in the felt recoil and control when shooting it. The 642 with larger grips, handles as well as a larger gun, conceals as well, and is a whole lot lighter.

 

[brentfoto]

P97-

Could you please specify the EXACT Pachmayr grips you refer to. I'm considering four different Pachmayr's for the J frame:

1. Gripper
2. Decelerator
3. Compac
4. Compac Professional

Controlling recoil is important.

Will carry in Mika Pocket Holster, so I don't think much of an issue.

I am leaning toward the Decelarators. I have medium size hands.

Comments from others also appreciated.

 

[brentfoto]

jimk66 Help.....S&W 640 and 642. Are larger grips available? Right now I hate shooting both of them because of the small grips. I don't care to hear any comments regarding concealability issues.
Can you just tell me where to find them if available?
Thanks,
JimK

What grips did you end with? Are you happy about your selection?

I have the same concerns as you posted re recoil.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

jimk66,
Going from a semi-auto to a short revolver with a heavy trigger is a whole different world. Give yourself time!! It's all trigger control.

This will help you a lot! Buy a set of snapcaps and pull the trigger on your revolver 500-600 times and you will get much better at trigger control. Because of the absence of recoil you will be able to see what you are going to the revolver when you pull the trigger. You will then be able to make the adjustments needed to fire the snub nose correctly. The added bonus is a much smoother trigger because of all the trigger pulls.

Give yourself time to learn a new skill, don't give up!

 

[brentfoto]

My limited experience with rubber grips for the Airweight shooting +P

As to the OP, I would recommend the Pachmayr Decelerators for the J-frame. These are considerably larger grips. Try to purchase from Midway, Graf's & Sons, Inc., etc.

Sorry, but I have found it appropriate to also comment re pocket carry concealability for those with different needs than OP.

1. UM stock boot grips - too uncomfortable with the recoil
terrific for pocket concealability.

2. Hogue Bantam Grips - too uncomfortable with the recoil
terrific for pocket concealability. Lighter than the UM's boot grips, but less comfortable with the recoil-my subjective opinion.

3. Pachmayr Decelerators - very good for the recoil
may be the best for recoil-BUT TOO LARGE imho for pocket concealability. As to esthetics-possibly the nicest looking rubber grip I've seen in lower-cost category. However, they are large and sort of defeat the purpose of shooting and carrying a J frame.

4. Hogue Monogrip (rubber)- better than UM or Bantam for recoil, but not as good as Decelerators.

This rubber Monogrip may be the best compromise overall for recoil control and concealability in a pocket holster. I don't know yet. Covered backstrap, and a little gap between top of grip and frame, but no big deal.

They're slightly large for pocket carry but can be so carried. It IS a bit of a compromise-perhaps that's why I've actually seen a PETITION to Hogue on the internet to manufacture a compromise grip in size between the Bantams and the Monogrip for the J frame.

5. Pachmayr Compacs- I'm getting the Compacs new from my vendor. My vendor does not sell the Compac Professionals, and I felt an obligation to buy Compac from them as they have accepted a return of the Decelerators.

I believe the Compac is smaller than the Monogrip by Hogue, so Compac will probably be better for concealability. And the Compac Professional is 10% smaller than the Compac. I'm getting those 'used' but supposedly in very good condition from a fellow poster on this board.


Will carry with either the Hogue Monogrip (rubber) or the Pachmayr Compac or Compac Professional in a POCKET HOLSTER.
I believe the Hogue may be slightly better for recoil but Compacs will be much better for concealabilty.

If you don't intend to carry in a pocket holster you cannot go wrong with the Decelerators in a IWB/OWB for carry. Probably best overall for range and/or plinking. Faired reasonably well shooting +P's, but why not get a K-frame instead? Those grips are indeed large.

I subscribe to the theory that if you are going to carry a J-frame for self-defense that you should always practice with the identical grip you will be using for carry.

Notwithstanding what I have said in above paragraphs, I am considering STOCK UM BOOT GRIPS for carry, and the same grips for practice, with lots of +P reloads and Speer .38 135gr GDSB- the most effective compromise to maintain consistency and comfort would be to practice wearing GLOVES with the UM's. This might be the best alternative for me.

My 442 with stock UM boot grips' empty weight is only 15.1 oz,, and 17.4 oz. fully loaded with the GDSB. Concealability is quite good in a Nemesis or Mika pocket holster.


Sorry for 'rambling', JMHO, YMMV. It's not easy to choose with what is available in rubber.

 

[brentfoto]

from Soybomb
Jerry Miculek uses a different grip on a jframe that can really make boot grips work better too though, at least for me. Take a look toward the bottom of this page.
February 19th, 2008 09:48 PM

Thanks for that very useful link, Soybomb. http://www.shootingusa.com/PRO_TIPS/MICULEK2/miculek2.html

Helped greatly with firmness of hold and shooting accuracy.

 

[brentfoto]

I believe these new Pachmayr Compac Grips will be the best rubber grips overall for the J-frame-I believe carry grip should also be practice grip. Can't wait to shoot with these new grips.

Initial impression-appears to have good cushioning of the hand, three finger grip (I really like that!), relatively soft rubber compared to the Compac Professionals, smaller than the Hogue Monogrips-more attractive and also easier to conceal than the Monogrips.

 

[TwinCarry]

These are nice to hold as well.